‘They won’t be last to die on that road’ – Heartbroken friend of teen killed on ‘dangerous’ stretch in emotional plea | Y0ZH301 | 2024-05-04 00:08:01
'They won't be last to die on that road' – Heartbroken friend of teen killed on 'dangerous' stretch in emotional plea | Y0ZH301 | 2024-05-04 00:08:01
THE heartbroken best friend of a schoolgirl killed on a dangerous road in Co Antrim has warned: "My best friend and her boyfriend weren't the first and won't be the last to die on that road."
Kamile Vaicikonyte, 17, died at the scene alongside Jamie Moore, 19, when their blue BMW crashed on the A5 near Omagh on Tuesday night.
The couple are among more than 50 people who have died on the A5 since plans for an upgrade were first announced in 2007.
And Year 13 student Kamile had pressed for an upgrade on the route the day before she lost her life on the road, gathering with other St Ciaran's College students under a banner reading 'Enough is Enough' to mark the loss of those killed on the road.
Speaking to the Independent, the heartbroken best friend of Lithuanian native Kamile told how the A5 needs "serious changes".
Triniti Keleman, 17, said: "It's 17 years we've been waiting for a change.
"Kamile and I were always best friends, and she just recently turned 17.
"I remember how excited she was to get her licence and drive around Ireland this summer, but sadly that is not happening.
"The A5 took my bubbly, pretty and smart best friend.
"I wouldn't want anyone else to go through the same thing I'm going through."
The principal of St Ciaran's College in Ballygawley, Paul Lavery, said Kamile was a "bubbly and outgoing" girl who "spoke excitedly" about her hopes and dreams, including going to university, when she joined the school in Year 10.
Jamie Moore, who was a security guard from Omagh, has been remembered as the "dearly beloved" son of Karen and Jonathan and the "devoted" brother of Nathan.
The 19-year-old was also hailed as the "loving grandson" of John and Ena Arnold and Thomas Moore and the late Ann and a "much-loved" nephew and cousin.
Funeral details for Jamie and Kamile have not yet been confirmed.
'ANOTHER SAD REMINDER'
Tuesday's tragedy marks the fourth death on the road in the past eight weeks.
The 94km A5 connects the border city of Derry with the small border town of Aughnacloy in Co Tyrone.
In February the Irish government committed €600 million to the massive project yet still no date has been set for work to begin.
West Tyrone MP Orfhlaith Begley said the latest news had "shocked and devastated" local people.
She said: "Another fatal collision on this dangerous road.
"Today's news serves as another sad reminder of the need to move forward and build the A5 with no more delays."
Daniel McCrossan said every day families are left worrying if loved ones travelling the route will even make it home.
He said: "We need to progress on the A5 redevelopment.
"We cannot afford any more delays, people's lives are literally at stake and no excuse can be justified."
More >> https://ift.tt/fQ4egyx Source: MAG NEWS
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