BY MICHAEL BRESLIN AND AUSTIN LYNCH
A sister and a brother, 22 year old Siobhan Maughan and 16 year old Tommy Maughan, who live in England died at the scene of a road traffic accident on the outskirts of Enniskillen on Monday morning as they made their way to attend the funeral of their grandmother in Irvinestown.
The accident happened, within the 30 mph limit, shortly after 9.30am about 200 yards on the Trory side of the Cherrymount Roundabout.
The two vehicle crash involved a red southern registered Volkswagen Passat and a white Mercedes 190, in which the two young people who died were travelling.
It is believed the two deceased siblings, the driver and front seat passenger in the white Mercedes, were leaving Enniskillen heading towards Irvinestown and that the other vehicle, the Passat, was travelling in the opposite direction.
The accident happened on a long sweeping bend and, at that time on Monday morning, the road was very wet as it had been raining heavily for several hours. It remained unclear last night which one of the Maughans was driving although there are suggestions that the younger sibling may have been behind the wheel of the white Mercedes.
The driver of the second vehicle, Hugh Masterson, from nearby Mullaghmeen was taken to the Erne Hospital where his condition is described as, 'stable'. The Irvinestown Road was closed to allow the emergency and forensic services do their work, but it was later re-opened to traffic.
News of the double fatality began filtering through to the congregation attending the 11 o'clock funeral Mass in the Sacred Heart Church in Irvinestown for Margaret Maughan. The celebrant, Fr Michael McGourty told the 'Herald' that, at the Offertory, he noticed a lady, 'who was obviously very distressed' being comforted by those around her.
"I didn't know what it was all about," he said. "I had heard a whisper but because I wasn't certain I said nothing, although I would have said nothing anyway as we had to get the liturgy finished as best as we could.
"I think the children (Siobhan and Tommy) had gone in to Enniskillen for something to wear for the funeral. I said the prayers at the graveside and, it was only when I was walking away I was told they had been involved in an accident, so I then called out to the house."
The deceased, Mrs Maughan had lived at Ardlougher near Irvinestown and, after her husband, Paddy died last July, the family brought her across to England to be with them, and she died there. Her remains were brought home on Sunday last.
The children's father, Brian who had been living in England with them and his wife, Sheila had come home to live at Ardlougher and, from that time on, Siobhan and Tommy were regular visitors to Irvinestown.
"They were very attached to the granny," Fr McGourty stated. "So, indeed had the whole family. They composed a nice tribute to her which they asked me to read out at the funeral Mass."
In addition to Brian, Mrs Maughan is survived by another son, Tommy and by her daughters, Gig and Janie.
Meanwhile, Police in Enniskillen have appealed for information from anyone who saw the incident to call them with any information at 0845 600 8000.
The Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, who lives in Ballinamallard, came on the scene of the accident shortly after it happened.
" It was obvious that there were two cars involved and it was serious, two ambulances were already at the scene and one fire-engine. Another fire-engine and the PSNI arrived at that time as well.
"At the end of this year, news like this is an absolute tragedy for the families of the people who died in this accident and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to them. Unfortunately, I and other representatives are having to issue such statements far too often in Northern Ireland."
Enniskillen Curate, Fr Owen Gorman answered the call to attend and render last Rites to the two deceased: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Maughan family at this time of the year. It's a triple tragedy for the family because they buried their grandmother today in Irvinestown."
Councillor Gerry McHugh, MLA described the spot where the accident occurred as a blackspot for tragic accidents.
"It does seem to be a place that catches drivers out, the fact that the bend is very sharp. But, there are a lot of roads that are not able to cater for the kind of traffic volumes we have around Enniskillen, and I think that has been proven several times over.
"I think that something needs to be looked at in relation to that road overall, from there to Omagh".
However, Inspector Ian Kennedy, who normally attends road traffic accidents where people are seriously injured or killed, disagreed. He did not have charge of Monday's double fatality and, so, could not say how the accident happened.
"But, from my experience, I would not consider that that corner is an accident black spot. Certainly, with reference to accidents that occur and give rise to very serious injuries or fatalities, the Killadeas Road, historically, has a history of a substantial number of serious collisions on it, but that corner on its own wouldn't be in that category".
Meanwhile, the condition of the driver of one of two cars involved in a road traffic accident near Derrylin on Christmas Day, Maud Fisher from Derrybard Road, Fintona was described this week as 'stable' by a spokesman for the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Five people were taken to hospital following the collision which occurred near the Quinn factory at Ballyconnell Road at about 6pm. It involved a blue Toyota Carina, driven by Ms Fisher and a blue BMW 316 Compact. The cars had been travelling in opposite directions prior to the crash.
Two occupants of the Toyota. Ms Fisher and 62-year old Sam Keys, who is also from Fintona together with three from the BMW were taken to hospitals in Enniskillen and Cavan. Mr Keys together with the casualties from the BMW were later released from hospital.
Ms Fisher was then transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Police at Enniskillen are appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the collision of came across the scene. The number to call with any information is 0845 600 8000.
On Christmas Eve, the driver of a Southern-registered car was taken to hospital following a traffic collision near Belcoo . A Police spokesman said that only one vehicle was involved in the accident which occurred on the Sligo Road near the village, at about 3pm.
"The driver was taken to the Erne hospital, but her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. She received treatment for a sore neck and shock".
