'Total shock' - Heartbreak as two teenagers killed in tragic Donegal crash named locally
Daniel Cullen and Caoimhin Porter, both aged 18, died after the vehicle they were travelling collided with a lorry on Tuesday night
Two teenagers who tragically died following a crash in Donegal on Tuesday night, have been named locally.
Daniel Cullen and Caoimhin Porter, both aged 18 where from the Shantallow area Derry city, died after the vehicle they were travelling collided with a lorry in St Johnston in Donegal.
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The driver of the car was brought to Altnagelvin Hospital with serious injuries and later brought to Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.
It is believed the three friends were returning to Derry via Lifford and St Johnston after a trip to the Asda store in Strabane when the collision occurred.
Gardaí say no other injuries were reported.
Qualified grief counsellors will be available for anyone who would like to speak to someone from 7pm at Shantallow Community Centre.
Derry priest Fr Michael Canny met with the families of two of the young men and said the relatives and friends of the young men are utterly devastated and in a state of shock.
"At this time,” Fr Canny said. “our thoughts and the thoughts of most of the people in the city are with the families who are totally devastated to have received this news last night.
"This is a close knit community that sticks together, but nevertheless their lives are now going to be changed forever. We also pray for the young man in hospital.
"Their family and their friends are in total shock.”
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Foyle MP Colum Eastwood described the crash as a “profound tragedy” that will “affect families, friends and communities across the North West”.
The former SDLP leader said: “People in communities across Derry and Donegal woke up this morning to news of this crash, and the deaths of two teenagers with their whole lives ahead of them.
“Today and the days ahead will be unimaginably difficult. But I know that people in Derry and Donegal will offer them every possible support to get through this.
“We’re also thinking of the young man in hospital in Belfast today with serious injuries.”
Local Sinn Féin councillor Sandra Duffy expressed her condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the accident.
“My thoughts are with their families and friends, and with all those affected, at this deeply sad and difficult time.
“I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services for their efforts at the scene," Cllr Duffy said.
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Post-mortem examinations are due to take place and the coroner has been notified.
The area is being examined by forensic investigators and the road is closed.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.