Tributes have been pouring in for a nurse who was a mother-of-two after she was killed in a car crash on the M1 just days ago.
Imelda Quinn was in her 40s and died after a single-vehicle collision between junction 15 at Dungannon and junction 14 at Tamnamore on the motorway in Co Tyrone on St. Stephen’s Day.
According to police, a report came in just before 1.30 pm on Monday, claiming that a blue Mercedes car had left the eastbound carriageway of the motorway, near the Stangmore junction.
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Emergency services rushed to the scene but Imelda sadly died later in the hospital as a result of her serious injuries.
Officers shut the motorway for some time while on-scene investigations were carried out, but it has since reopened to traffic.
Mrs. Quinn, who was from Galbally, was a married mum-of-two and worked as a nurse in a local hospital.
A funeral notice said she was the “deeply loved” wife of Gavin, “most cherished mother” to Nina and Norah, “dearly beloved daughter” of Cormac and Anne, “cherished sister” of Fergal, Angela (Morgan) and Cormac Og and sister-in-law of Mari, Colin and Seline.
The tragedy comes as three other people died after another serious crash in Co Tyrone on the same day.
A woman in her 50s, a man in his 20s, and another woman in her 80s died as a result of a two-vehicle crash in the Dungannon Road area around 3.30 pm on Monday.
Four children and a woman in her 20s were also taken to the hospital - where they remain.
Sinn Fein MLA Declan McAleer was among those who sent his condolences to Mrs. Quinn’s family.
"Absolutely awful news. Poor Imelda. Thoughts and prayers for her family at this desperately sad time,” he wrote on social media.
SDLP Cllr Jason Barr added: "24 hours isn’t a long time when it comes to spending it with the ones that mean the most.
"Imelda Quinn. A mother to two beautiful daughters had her life cut tragically short. 24 hours before it, she would have seen the delight on her daughter's faces and spending quality time with the family that meant the most.
"24 hours later the Quinn family along with two other families where a woman in her 80s, and a male in his 20s have been put into the most deepest state of grief beyond what anyone can imagine.
"My heartfelt condolences go out to the three families and friends today. Don’t take a second for granted that’s spent with our loved ones. Totally heartbreaking."
Family and friends also took to social media to pay tribute to the young mum with one neighbour saying: “Devastating news thinking of Gavin, Nina and Norah at this sad time as well as both families. You will be so sorely missed. Thanks for being such a great neighbour and friend.”
A second friend added: "Heartbreaking news. Imelda was such a beautiful person, fantastic mummy and nurse and friend. Thoughts and prayers with Gavin and their two beautiful girls. Rest In Peace Imelda."
"I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Imelda was a beautiful person and a fantastic nurse. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad and difficult time," added another.
Posting on social media, Galbally Youth & Community Association Committee & Lotto Volunteers, said the death of Mrs Quinn has stunned the community and devastated a close and loving family.
The group paid a warm tribute to "a devoted daughter, loyal sister, caring wife and a doting mother to her two beautiful girls".
A spokesperson added: "Imelda was inspired by her own mother’s lifelong commitment to Galbally Community Centre from a young age and followed in her footsteps by taking a lead role in the development of provision for young people over many years. Imelda always stepped up, leading the way in a manner which belied her youth.
"Imelda was a founding member of CannyMan Community Arts and played an instrumental role in promoting arts and creative activity in our community. Imelda held the levers of an organisation that has brought so much joy and happiness to our lives through various programmes, activities, plays, concerts and several memorable events.
"Imelda inherited many important values from her family and even in her short time on this earth, her life will serve as a positive example to all young people in our community. Imelda was born to lead and she was determined and focussed on making a difference.
"Imelda followed her heart by training as a nurse and pursuing a vocation which reflected her desire to put others first and support people through the most difficult of times."
PSNI Sergeant Broderick from the Roads Policing Unit said: “We are appealing to anyone who was travelling on the M1 in the area of the Stangmore junction and witnessed the collision or anyone who may have dash-cam footage, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, and quote reference number 779 of 26/12/22.”
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