Five-year-old girl tragically dies after collision in Newry as driver arrested

A five-year-old girl has died following a road traffic collision in Newry, with police continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The child suffered fatal injuries after a collision involving a van in the Springfarm Heights area on Sunday night, 21 June.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the girl was taken to hospital following the incident but later died from her injuries.

A 40-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

Collision happened on Sunday evening

Detective Inspector Stewart, from the PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit, said officers received a report of the collision at approximately 9.25pm.

The incident involved a black Ford Tourneo van and the young child in the Springfarm Heights area of Newry.

Emergency services attended the scene and the child was transported to hospital for treatment. Despite medical efforts, she later succumbed to her injuries.

Police confirmed the driver of the vehicle, a 40-year-old woman, was arrested at the scene.

Road remains closed as investigation continues

Investigators remain at the location as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened.

The Carnagat Road remains closed at its junctions with Springfarm Heights and Stony Hill while enquiries continue.

Detective Inspector Stewart said:

“We received a report at approximately 9.25pm on Sunday, 21st June of a collision involving a black Ford Tourneo van and child in the Springfarm Heights area.

“The young girl was taken to hospital where she tragically later died from her injuries. Officers attended, and the driver of the van, a 40-year-old woman, was arrested at the scene.

“She remains in custody at this time as enquiries continue into the circumstances of the collision. The Carnagat Road also remains closed at its junctions with Springfarm Heights and Stony Hill.”

Appeal for witnesses and dash-cam footage

Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have relevant footage, to come forward.

Investigators are particularly keen to hear from motorists or residents who may have captured dash-cam, CCTV or other footage that could assist the investigation.

Detective Inspector Stewart added:

“Police would like to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have captured dash-cam or other footage of what happened, which could assist with our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1552 of 21/06/26. Information can also be submitted online via the PSNI reporting portal.

The death of a young child has sent shockwaves through the local community, and police enquiries are expected to continue as investigators work to establish exactly how the collision occurred.