Three young people have died after they were reportedly waiting to enter a teenage St Patrick’s night party at the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown.
The three teenagers who died are a 17-year-old girl, a 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy. A 16-year-old girl is in a stable condition in hospital. A further two teenagers were treated for injuries they received during the incident.
“First and foremost our thoughts this morning are very much with the families of the three young people who passed away and those who were injured. It is heart-breaking that an event which should have been fun for these youngsters on St Patrick’s night should end in such a terrible tragedy,” said a police spokesperson.
They say their investigation is at an early stage, and while the exact cause of the incident is still unknown, there are reports of a crush at the scene and initial enquiries indicate that a large group of young people were waiting to enter a disco.
“We also have reports of some fighting after the incident commenced and at least one person has reported that they were assaulted,” added the spokesperson.
Police say they are continuing to interview people who were there to establish the full facts and would appeal to anyone who witnessed what happened to contact police on 101 ext 52014.
They also want parents to talk to their children and encourage them to come forward and speak to police.
“Please do not post photographs or videos online. Please share them with the PSNI.
“We would also ask motorists who have dash cam footage, as well as anyone who captured the incident on their mobile phone through photographs or video, to upload them to Major Incident Public Portal https://mipp.police.uk/.
“Please keep comments on this post sensitive and please do not name those involved out of respect for their families,” added the spokesperson.
Police earlier took to social media, stating that a multi-agency operation was underway on the Drum Road.
ACC Mark Hamilton said: “I can confirm there are two fatalities at this stage and a small number of other casualties.”
Donaghmore mum Emma Heatherington, told the media her two sons, aged 17 and 18, had been at the disco, said she ‘felt sick’ when she saw the police appeal.
“My two boys were there so I rang them, shaking and thankfully got them both,” she said.
“They were on their way home at that stage.
“They say there was a huge crowd waiting to get into the venue and then a lot of commotion up near the front of the queue, then they said the emergency services arrived and they were all asked to leave,” she told the media.
DUP leader Arlene Foster tweeted that her ‘thoughts and prayers’ were ‘with everyone impacted by this tonight.’
At Drum Road, Cookstown. Sincerest thoughts and prayers for all the families https://t.co/4Nrft3aDXA
— Patsy McGlone (@patsymcglone) March 18, 2019
Dara Joe is home safe and sound. Thank God. Unfortunately for two families their love ones won’t be. Thoughts and prayers go out to those families who’ve lost a child tonight. Terrible run of events tonight in Cookstown.
— Fintan Martin (@fintyp76) March 18, 2019
Police are dealing with an incident at Greenvale Hotel, Cookstown. Fire and Ambulance Service are also in attendance. Chief Insp Graham Dodds said:”The St Patrick’s event is now over and I would appeal to parents to make contact with their children and collect them immediately.”
— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) March 17, 2019