Three members of same family killed in car crash in Northern Ireland

Three members of the same family have been killed in a car crash in Northern Ireland.

Husband and wife Paul and Varena Creelman, and her brother, Phil Hegarty, died on Monday morning after their car was involved in a collision with another vehicle in Portglenone, Co Antrim.

The couple, from Kilrea, Co Derry, and Mr Hegarty were described by a local councillor as well-respected members of their community.

All three are believed to have been in their 50s.

The silver Volkswagen Passat they were travelling in was involved in a collision with a black Audi on Lisnahunshin Road, which was reported at about 10.40am.

The couple’s son, Damien, paid tribute to his parents and his uncle in a Facebook post.

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He wrote: “Today is the day that I lost what had given me life, taught me respect and made me the person I am.

“Mum, dad and uncle scoobbie. Thank you and r.i.p.”

Sinn Fein councillor Sean Bateson said the local community in Kilrea is shocked by the tragedy, describing the victims as “lovely, lovely people”.

He told the BBC: “There was always a smile on their face, they were always having a good laugh, having a bit of craic with you.

“They were just genuine, lovely people.”

Police inspector David Anderson appealed for information and urged anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have captured dash cam footage, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 591 27/07/20.