Two Teens Dead, One Seriously Injured in Donegal Crash
St Johnston, Co Donegal, Ireland – A tragic road accident in County Donegal, Ireland, has claimed the lives of two 18-year-old men and left another critically injured. Daniel Cullen and Caoimhin Porter, both from the Shantallow area of Derry, died when the car they were travelling in collided with a lorry on Tuesday night.
The incident occurred around 11:15 p.m. on the R236 road near St Johnston. Authorities report the Vauxhall Corsa carrying the three young men collided with a Volvo FH 500 lorry towing a cattle trailer.
A third 18-year-old, the driver of the car, sustained serious injuries and has been transported to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for treatment. His condition remains unknown.
Local priest Fr Damien Nejad was among the first on the scene, administering last rites to one of the victims. “It was very, very sad,” he said, describing the shock felt throughout the community. “There is just shock in the area. It is shocking that this could happen here.”
The three young men had been returning home to Derry after a trip to Asda in Strabane when the crash occurred.
News of the tragedy has deeply affected both the Donegal and Derry communities. Foyle MP Colum Eastwood described the event as a “profound tragedy,” adding that the coming days would be “unimaginably difficult” for those affected.
“But I know that people in Derry and Donegal will offer them every possible support to get through this,” Eastwood stated.
The Shantallow Community Centre has opened its Youth Wing to provide support and grief counselling to those impacted by the loss. A spokesperson for the centre expressed their condolences to the families and friends of the victims.
Local Councillor Gary Doherty called the location a “known blackspot for collisions” and expressed his devastation. “Our thoughts, first and foremost, are to the family and friends of the young lads who have lost their lives and also to the other young lad who is in hospital,” he said.
Gardai (Irish police) are appealing for information from anyone who may have witnessed the collision or have relevant dashcam footage from the area between 10:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026. Anyone with information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line.
The Donegal Coroner, Dr Denis McCauley, has been notified, and post-mortem examinations are scheduled to take place.
This story was originally reported by the Mirror.
