Two Teenagers Killed in Late-Night Collision Near St Johnston; Community in Shock

A quiet Tuesday night turned to tragedy in east Donegal after a fatal road collision claimed the lives of two teenage boys and left a third young man seriously injured.

The three friends were returning to Derry after a trip to Asda in Strabane when their Vauxhall Corsa collided with a Volvo FH 500 lorry towing a cattle trailer at approximately 11.15pm on the R236, the main Lifford–Derry road. The crash occurred near the Presbyterian Church and the adjacent manse, at a location long regarded as a collision blackspot.

One of the young men was pronounced dead at the scene. The second was transported to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, where he died a short time later. The third occupant was later transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for specialist treatment.

Fr Damien Nejad, a local curate, attended the scene at around 1am and administered the Last Rites to one of the victims. Describing the atmosphere, he said the incident was “very, very sad” and noted that shock had gripped the area. “It is shocking that this could happen here,” he added.

As news of the tragedy spread on Wednesday morning, a sombre mood descended on the small village of St Johnston. Derry-based cleric Fr Michael Canny met with the bereaved families, describing them as being in “total shock”. He said the close-knit community would stand together in support, but acknowledged that their lives had been changed forever. He also offered prayers for the young man still receiving treatment in hospital.

Shantallow Community Centre responded by opening its Youth Wing to provide support for young people affected by the tragedy. Grief counsellors were made available throughout the day. In a statement, the centre extended its “deepest condolences” to the families and all those impacted.

Local Presbyterian Minister Rev Craig Wilson said the loss of two teenage lives was “desperate” and spoke of hearing emergency sirens on Tuesday night. “We have families devastated,” he said.

The road remained closed on Wednesday as Garda Forensic Collision Investigators conducted a technical examination of the scene. Investigators arrived at approximately 10.30am, and local diversions were put in place.

Donegal County Councillor Gary Doherty described the incident as “an absolutely devastating tragedy,” expressing sympathy for the families and the injured young man. He noted that the entire community of St Johnston and across east Donegal was in complete shock. “The fact that we are talking about two teenagers losing their lives, the fact that they are so young, makes it even more profound,” he said.

Highlighting the close ties between east Donegal and neighbouring Derry and Tyrone, Councillor Doherty said many people would know the families involved, deepening the collective sense of grief.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood also described the incident as a “profound tragedy,” acknowledging that the days ahead would be “unimaginably difficult” for those affected, while expressing confidence that the wider community would rally in support.

The Donegal Coroner, Dr Denis McCauley, has been notified, and post-mortem examinations are due to take place.

Gardaí have appealed to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward. Road users travelling in the area between 10.45pm and 11.45pm on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, particularly those with dash-cam footage, are urged to make the material available to investigators. Anyone with information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station, the Garda Confidential Line, or any Garda station.

As investigations continue, a dark cloud remains over St Johnston — a community united in grief at the loss of two young lives.