Mother and daughter die in horror collision between quad bike and tractor near named and represented Antrim farm – The Irish Sun

A mom and her young daughter died in a horrible collision between a quad and a tractor near their farm in Co Antrim.

Another daughter, who was flown in from the scene, underwent major surgery and was fighting for life last night.

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Mother Claire Smyth, 35, and two of her children had been riding the quad at the entrance to their home, which is outside Ballycastle, on Tuesday night.

They collided with a tractor on Whitepark Road along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route shortly before 5 p.m.

‘DEVASTANT NEWS’

Claire and her three-year-old daughter Bethany died, and the surviving daughter, Hannah, five, underwent a seven-hour operation at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

It is understood that his condition was still critical but had improved. SDLP Glens Councilwoman Margaret Anne McKillop said it was “absolutely devastating news.”

She said: “It makes it even more difficult for people to easily meet with her husband Ryan and his family to support them.”

Sinn Fein’s local councilwoman Cara McShane said the tragedy “was exacerbated at this time by the surreal times we are living in with the Coronavirus pandemic.”

He added: “In such a quiet area, the air was almost pierced by the sound of sirens and flashing blue lights from the emergency services, so it was soon learned that there had been a tragic accident.”

A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said: “NIAS sent two rapid response paramedics, three emergency teams, a doctor and two ambulance officers to the incident.

“The PSNI and the Coast Guard also assisted in the incident. Following evaluation and initial treatment at the scene, a patient was initially transported to Causeway Hospital before being flown to Belfast by Coastguard helicopter with a HEMS team on board. ”

‘RARE ACCIDENT’

The Rev. John Stanbridge, Minister of Ballycastle and the Croaghmore Presbyterian Church, last night described the tragedy as a “strange accident”.

In a statement, he said: “Ryan, Claire, Hannah and Bethany are very dear members of our church. What happened on Tuesday was a tragic and strange accident that changed a family forever.

“In making this statement, I have spoken to Ryan, who is at his daughter Hannah’s bedside at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Belfast, and would like to express his appreciation for everyone’s prayers, especially those in Ballycastle, and Ask people to keep praying for little Hannah.

“He has also asked me to express his deep appreciation and thanks to all the emergency services that attended the scene, the doctors and nurses at Causeway Hospital and the surgical team at Royal, where Hannah is now.

“My colleague, the Rev. Alan Buick of Dunluce Presbyterian, has reached out to offer his condolences and sympathy to the family.

Claire has been a beloved and esteemed leader and officer of the Dunluce 357 Presbyterian Girls Brigade for the past 15 years, and all girls and leaders will sadly miss her.

“As a church family, we are mourning the passing of Claire and Bethany, but our determination in Christ Jesus is to keep Ryan, Hannah and the wider family circle in our prayers and assure them of our love and support in the days and months. difficult that await us.

“I am sure you will understand that Ryan has asked that he and the family have space right now so that they can focus on their little Hannah. Thank you.”