Mark Murphy: Crash victim 'had his whole life to live'

The collision took place on the Rathfriland Road in Newry. Photo by Pacemaker

Mark Murphy was aged 36 and was from the Downpatrick area.

Detective Sergeant Brook, from the PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Police received a report shortly after 9am of a collision involving a bus and a lorry close to the junction with the Damolly Road.

“Officers attended the scene, together with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

“Sadly, Mr Murphy, who was the driver of the lorry, passed away from his injuries.

“The female driver of the bus was taken to hospital for treatment for injuries which at this time are not believed to be life threatening.

“The Rathfriland Road remains closed at this time as police continue to carry out enquiries, and motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek an alternative route for their journeys.

“Our investigation is continuing, and we are appealing to anyone who was travelling in the area and has dash-cam footage, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, and quote reference number 286 of 22/02/24.”

South Down MP Chris Hazzard said the incident had left the community “stunned”.

“I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the young man Mark Murphy who sadly lost his life," the Sinn Féin representative said. “This has stunned the entire community, but everyone will rally around his family and friends in what will be difficult days ahead. Huge sympathy also to the others involved in the accident.

“I wish to pay tribute to the emergency services for all their efforts at the scene.”

SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath said it was “simply devastating news”.

Mr McGrath added: “Mr Murphy was a young man with his whole life to live.

"He had a young family and their world has been turned upside down and the thoughts and prayers of the whole community are with them.

"I know the community in Downpatrick will rally round and offer support to them at this extremely difficult time.

"I'd also like to thank all the emergency services who responded to this incident for their efforts. We would be lost without them and they do an important job in often difficult circumstances."