“My thoughts are with the family who are going to be deeply traumatised”
A Co Tyrone community has been left reeling in shock after a man tragically died when a car crashed into a shop.
Emergency services were called to the scene of an incident at a Spar store in Clonoe outside Coalisland on Tuesday afternoon.
PSNI officers alongside the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the NI Air Ambulance were tasked to the scene where the man, named by police as 71-year-old Gerard ‘Jock’ Rafferty, was sadly pronounced dead.
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Chief Inspector Simpson, from the Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Police received a report at around 12.20pm that a car had crashed into a shop in the Moor Road area and struck a member of the public.
“Officers, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, attended the scene. However, Mr Rafferty sadly passed away a short time afterwards.
“The Moor Road remains closed to road-users between Washingbay Road and Gortgonis Road.
“Our enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have digital footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 651 of 28/01/26.”
Local SDLP Councillor Malachy Quinn said the community was “in shock” and shared his thoughts with the family and friends of those involved in the incident.
Speaking to Belfast Live, he said: “The whole community is in absolute shock. He was known in the community and had big links to some of the football clubs.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time.”
Mid Ulster MLA Linda Dillon told Belfast Live that it was “devastating” for the local community.
“My thoughts are with the family who are going to be deeply traumatised,” she said. “This entire community will feel the pain of the loss – this is a family that is well known and very well liked and respected.
“They will be heartbroken for the family.”
A NIAS spokesperson said: “The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 12:16 on Wednesday, 28th January, following reports of an incident in the Moor Road, Coalisland area.
“NIAS dispatched 1 Emergency Ambulance and the Charity Air Ambulance with HEMS on board, were also tasked to the scene.
“No patients were taken from the scene.”
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