BY MICHAEL BRESLIN

A passenger in a workmen's van died at the scene and the driver was admitted to hospital following an early morning collision yesterday between the van and an articulated lorry.

The accident happened on A4 Enniskillen- Belfast Road a short distance on the Killyhevlin Hotel side of the turn-in for the Training Centre.

The blue workmen's van bore the lettering, S. H. Moore Builders & Sons, Building Contractors, Main Street, Pomeroy. The deceased was named locally as Wayne Malliagh from Killymerron Park, Dungannon. He was in is late teens or early 20's. His injured work colleague was Gary Watt, who was in is 20's.

His condition at time of going to Press was unknown but it is not thought his injuries are life-threatening.

A Police spokesman confirmed that a van and articulated lorry were involved in the road traffic collision which occurred at about 8 o'clock yesterday morning. The road remained closed to traffic for the early part of the day.

"The road was busy at the time of the collision," said the spokesman, "and police are keen to speak to anyone who saw it. The number to ring is 0845 600 8000."

Meanwhile, the Road Safety Minister, Arlene Foster, who is an Assembly member for Fermanagh-South Tyrone said, in a statement, that when she heard of this latest death, 'I must say I wondered when it will all stop'.

"But of course, with the best will in the world, that's not going to happen. It would be wonderful, but unrealistic to think that deaths and injuries can be reduced to nil, even though I wish it were so.

But, that does not mean that I shouldn't try my utmost to improve the situation. Since my appointment I have overseen a raft of measures to increase road safety, and the latest figures are showing an improvement.

"That cannot be of much comfort to those affected, but I do consider it my priority to ensure that deaths and injuries on our roads continue to fall, and I have instructed my officials to undertake a review of the current road safety strategy for Northern Ireland with that objective in mind.

"People talk of cross-community initiatives and working for the good of all the people of Northern Ireland: I can honestly say I know of no initiative which touches every member of our community more, than reducing the carnage on our roads. That's something I will continue to work towards."

Fellow Assembly member for the constituency, Tommy Gallagher, SDLP expressed his sadness on news of another road death.

"There is one fatality as a result of this two-vehicle collision and I would like to express my sympathies and condolences to the family of the young man.

"This is yet another death on our border roads. In the West, our roads are now being asked to cope with traffic levels far beyond what they were designed for.

"There is a collective effort needed by all of society to reduce this terrible death toll."

"Once again, there is a tragic death on Northern Ireland's roads, and once again a family is grieving, this time close to home".

Mr Gallagher wished the injured a speedy recovery.