Man dies following car crash in Temple

The victim, an 80-year-old man, was a passenger in one of the vehicles.

Two other people, including a pregnant woman, were also injured in the three vehicle crash that occured on the Carryduff Road.

Inspector Gary Jones said: “We are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal road traffic collision near to the Temple Golf Club, at approximately 5.15pm on May 22.

“Tragically as a result of this collision an 80-year-old male passenger has died.

“I appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision to contact police in Lisburn on 101.”

Firefighters used hydraulic cutting equipment to release a 72-year-old woman from one car who was then transported to the Royal Victoria Hospital by ambulance. A total of five casualties from the other cars, of which a woman was taken to hospital by ambulance for a check-up.

Fire crews from Carryduff, Central and Ballynahinch stations attended the incident.

According to an NIFRS report, the 80-year-old man was confirmed fatal at the scene.

DUP councillor Uel Mackin, who lives near the crash scene, said he was saddened to hear of the tragedy.

“It is not an accident blackspot, but this is an extremely fast stretch of road which leads into a sweeping bend.

“There have been three or four accidents over the last five or so years. This has been for all kinds of reasons, overtaking and speeding principally. We will have to see if there are any road safety measures which need to be considered.”

Friday’s fatality brings the number of people killed on Northern Ireland’s roads this year to 26.

The previous day, fire fighters helped two females from their vehicles following a car crash on the Ballinderry Road, Brookmount.