Schools have opened in Cookstown to offer support to pupils, parents and teachers affected by last night’s tragedy at the Greenvale Hotel.
Three teenagers died after reports of a crush outside a St Patrick’s Day disco.
Several hundred people were trying to get into the venue after getting off buses. Young people struggled to get off the ground and there was confusion in the immediate aftermath, with reports of some being trampled.
A 17-year-old girl and two boys aged 16 and 17 died – one at the scene and two later in hospital, police say. A 16-year-old girl is in a stable condition in hospital, while a further two teenagers were treated for injuries sustained during the incident.
Support is available at Cookstown High School from 4pm to 7pm today and tomorrow from 11am to offer support to pupils, parents, guardians and staff.
And Holy Trinity College will also be open today from 4pm to 6pm.
“Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives and to those injured in last night’s tragedy,” said a spokesperson for Holy Trinity College.
Additional support is available at the Youth Resource Centre today between 4pm and 7pm.
The EA Youth Service will be opening today from 4pm in Cookstown Youth Resource Centre, to offer support and a listening ear to any young person who may be affected by this tragedy.
“The coming days will be very difficult and the EA Youth Service want to be there to help in any way they can. Deepest sympathies to those young people who have lost their lives and their families at this terrible time,” said a spokesperson.
Police meanwhile want footage or images from the the hotel to be sent directly to them – and those who filmed the tragedy are asked not to upload to social media.