Five die in 24 hours as road deaths surge to 29 across Northern Ireland

Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones and Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins at a press conference in Police Headquarters

A devastating weekend on Northern Ireland’s roads has left five people dead in the space of just 24 hours, pushing this year’s total fatalities to 29—more than double the figure recorded at the same stage in 2025.

The stark rise has prompted an urgent joint appeal from the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, who warned that lives are being lost at an alarming rate just four months into the year.

Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones described the events between Saturday 25 April and Sunday 26 April as “catastrophic”, confirming that five individuals died in separate road traffic collisions over that short period.

“The past weekend has been catastrophic on our roads,” she said.

“Within 24 hours, between Saturday 25 April and Sunday 26 April, five people lost their lives as a result of road traffic collisions.

“The thoughts and sympathies of the Police Service of Northern Ireland are with the families and the loved ones of those who have died, and those who were injured.”

Deaths double last year’s toll as impact ripples across communities

The latest fatalities bring the total number of people killed on Northern Ireland’s roads in 2026 so far to 29, compared with 14 at the same point last year.

ACC Jones drew attention to the human cost behind the figures, comparing the number of deaths to “the size of a school class”, and highlighting the lasting impact on families and communities.

“These deaths are a stark and cruel reminder of the very real dangers that exist on our roads,” she said.

“Twenty nine people have lost their lives on roads in Northern Ireland so far this year - what we might think of traditionally as the size of a school class.

“This is 29 families whose lives have been changed in an instant and forever - friends and communities left devastated.”

‘A life lost every four days’ as minister issues stark warning

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins reinforced the scale of the crisis, warning that Northern Ireland is currently losing a life on its roads, on average, every four days.

“We are just four months into 2026 and so far, 29 people have died on our roads,” she said.

“That means, on average, a life has been lost every four days. They set off on what was to be an everyday journey, but it turned out to be their last day.

“The loss occurs in an instant, but the devastation it causes lasts a lifetime for those left behind and I send my heartfelt condolences to everyone who is grieving today.”

Her message comes as the region prepares for increased traffic volumes, with the May bank holiday period approaching and major events set to draw crowds onto the roads.

Bank holiday warning as traffic expected to surge

Both the PSNI and the Department for Infrastructure have warned that the coming days will bring heightened risk, with large numbers expected to travel for leisure, social events, and the North West 200 in Portrush.

“We’re heading into another busy period on our roads with the first of the May bank holidays and the North West 200 in Portrush next week,” ACC Jones said.

“Lots of people will be socialising, travelling to meet family and friends and our appeal is please be careful on our roads.”

Minister Kimmins echoed the concern, urging people not to let routine journeys turn into tragedy.

“We all want to get out and about to enjoy the good weather with our friends and family. We’ve all got plans, places to be.

“Let’s make sure we all get there – and get home – safely.”

Police enforcement to target ‘Fatal Five’ offences

In response to the rising death toll, police have confirmed there will be a visible enforcement presence across Northern Ireland’s road network in the coming days, with officers focusing on the most dangerous driving behaviours.

These so-called “Fatal Five” offences—excess speed, drink or drug driving, mobile phone use, driver distraction, and not wearing a seatbelt—remain the leading causes of serious and fatal collisions.

ACC Jones made clear the human consequences officers face when tragedies unfold.

“The Police Service will have a visible enforcement presence on the roads across Northern Ireland, working to prevent and detect Fatal Five offences, including drink/drug driving and excess speed.

“Remember the Fatal Five - control your speed, put down your phone, never drink or drug drive, don’t get distracted and always wear your seatbelt.

“I do not want to have our officers knocking on anyone’s door to hear the life-shattering news their loved one has been injured, or has died as a result of a collision.”

A growing crisis with immediate consequences

With fatalities already exceeding last year’s pace and another busy travel period underway, the warning from authorities is clear: everyday decisions behind the wheel are continuing to cost lives.

The appeal from both policing and government leadership is not just about statistics, but about preventing more families from receiving devastating news in the days ahead.

“I am appealing to everyone to help ensure everyone makes it home safely to their families,” ACC Jones added.

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At a glance

• Five people died in road traffic collisions within 24 hours over the weekend (25–26 April)

• Northern Ireland road deaths now stand at 29 for 2026 so far

• This is more than double the 14 deaths recorded at the same point in 2025

• Authorities say a life is currently being lost every four days on average

• PSNI describes the weekend as “catastrophic”

• Increased traffic expected with May bank holiday and North West 200

• Police to increase enforcement targeting “Fatal Five” offences

• Drivers urged to avoid speed, distraction, drink/drug driving, and to wear seatbelts