Two young men killed in Donegal crash involving car and lorry as community to gather this evening
Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to the collision, involving a lorry and a car, which occurred at around 11.15pm on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. A male passenger of the car, aged in his late teens, was pronounced deceased at the scene. His remains were conveyed to the morgue at Letterkenny University Hospital.A second male passenger, also aged in his late teens, was conveyed to Altnagelvin Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.Post-mortem examinations will take place in due course and the Coroner has been notified.The male driver of the car, also in his late teens, was conveyed to Altnagelvin Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.Today's News in 90 seconds - Wednesday, February 25He was later transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.No other injuries were reported at the time.The R236 road is currently closed for technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, with local diversions in place.A mass for the two young men who passed away and the young man who remains in hospital is being held in St Baithin’s Church, St Johnston at 7pm on Wednesday evening. A spokesperson for the church said: “Our community woke up this morning to the terrible news that two young men have lost their lives overnight and another was seriously injured on the road that runs through our village.“In this time of great grief and sorrow for all involved words fail us."So we turn to the Lord asking for his strength and peace and the grace that will be needed for the families of the deceased and injured.“Mass at 7pm tonight in St. Baithin's, therefore, will be offered for the two deceased young men and for the other badly injured young man; as well as for their grieving and distraught family and friends.”It is understood the two young men who died are from Derry.Shantallow Community Centre has opened its doors for the local community to come together and remember the young men. They will also have a qualified grief counsellors available for anyone who would like to speak to someone from 7pm tonight. A spokesperson for the community centre said: "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of two of our local young men last night."The pain being felt across our community right now is unimaginable.“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with their families and everyone who loved them."We are also keeping the other young man, who remains in critical condition, very much in our thoughts and prayers at this time“Our Youth Wing will be open all day for friends who need somewhere safe to come together, get a bite to eat and remember their amazing friends in a safe, comfortable, loving space“Please do not struggle alone. Reach out, call in, message us.”Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.A spokesperson said: “Road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 10.45pm and 11.45pm on Tuesday 24th February 2026 are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí."Anyone with information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on (074) 9167100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.Donegal TD Pearse Doherty said he is deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of two young men in St Johnston last night."My thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and the wider community at this incredibly difficult time. I also hope the individual who has suffered injury makes a full recovery.“I would like to acknowledge the work of our emergency services who attended the scene and their ongoing efforts in the investigation,” said Deputy Doherty. Local councillor Gary Doherty said the local community is absolutely devastated following the crash."These two young men were in their late teens, which makes it particularly heartbreaking and hard for the community to process at this point."In Donegal, everybody knows somebody that's connected; schools, sports clubs and families will all be deeply affected."This is a day really for compassion and support for those that are affected."I have no doubt that the community will rally behind everyone involved," said Cllr Doherty.
