Corcreaghan Road Kilkeel Accident – The community of Kilkeel in County Down is mourning the tragic loss of an 11-year-old boy who died following a road traffic collision on Corcreaghan Road early on Tuesday morning. The devastating incident has sent shockwaves through the local area, leaving residents, family members, and school communities grappling with profound grief.
The collision occurred at approximately 8 a.m., during a busy morning period when many families and children were making their way to school. According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), a car and the young boy were involved in the incident, prompting an immediate emergency response. Officers attended the scene alongside ambulance crews and other emergency service partners.
The child was rushed to hospital for urgent medical treatment. Despite the best efforts of paramedics and hospital staff, he was sadly pronounced dead a short time later. Authorities confirmed the heartbreaking news as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision began.
Detective Inspector Stewart from the PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit has confirmed that inquiries are ongoing. Police are working to establish the full sequence of events that led to the collision and are appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dash-cam, CCTV, or mobile phone footage from the area around the time of the crash is urged to come forward.
Members of the public can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 242 03/02/26, or submit information online through the PSNI website. Investigators stress that even small details could prove crucial in understanding what happened.
Local political representatives have expressed their sorrow and offered condolences to the boy’s family. South Down MLA Diane Forsythe described the news as “absolutely heartbreaking,” noting that the loss has deeply affected not only the immediate family but the wider Kilkeel community. She emphasized the unimaginable pain of losing a child and encouraged residents to support one another during this difficult time.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath also shared his sympathies, highlighting the far-reaching impact such tragedies have on families, schools, friends, and neighbours. He acknowledged the collective shock felt across the area and stressed the importance of compassion and unity as the community begins to grieve.
Corcreaghan Road was temporarily closed to allow forensic and collision investigators to examine the scene thoroughly. The road has since reopened following the initial stages of the investigation, though police inquiries remain ongoing.
This tragic death has once again drawn attention to broader concerns about road safety, particularly during morning hours when children are most vulnerable. As Kilkeel mourns the loss of a young life, conversations around safety measures and prevention are expected to continue.
Thoughts remain with the boy’s family, friends, classmates, and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.