NI road deaths: 'Unspeakable tragedy' as five die in two separate crashes
- Published
Police remain at the scene and the Ballynahonemore Road will be closed for most of the day
Five people have died in separate road crashes in County Armagh and near Newry in County Down.
In Armagh the driver and three passengers, who as yet have not been formally identified, were declared dead at the scene.
It happened on the Ballynahonemore Road at about 2:10 GMT on Sunday.
In Newry a pedestrian - a man in his 40s - died after being hit by a car at about 22:40 on Saturday on the Forkhill Road.
The man was taken to hospital but died from his injuries a short time later.
The Forkhill Road was closed for a number of hours but has since re-opened.
After the Armagh crash PSNI District Commander Supt Paul McGrattan said it was an "unspeakable tragedy" for the families involved and for the wider community.
He said the community would "understandably struggle to comprehend such loss of life".
"The thoughts of the entire police service are with the families, friends and loved ones of those who have lost their lives," he added.
Police said a "thorough and sensitive" investigation was now underway.
DUP MLA William Irwin said everyone is in "a total state of shock"
DUP MLA William Irwin said the car "hit a tree and burst into flames".
"Four young people have lost their lives," he added.
"I have been talking to neighbours that live close by what happened and everyone is in a total state of shock."
Newry, Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins described the death of a pedestrian in Newry as "heartbreaking news" for his family, friends and wider community.
She said: "I want to extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the man, and offer them my full support.
"I would also appeal to anyone who may have been in the area at that time to bring forward any information to the PSNI."
Police are still at the scene and have said the Ballynahonemore Road will be closed for most of the day.
Officers have asked anyone with information to get in touch with the Collision Investigation Unit.