The engine was still warm when officers finally reached in and turned it off, a thin stream of steam rising from the crushed front end as the morning chill met the twisted metal. On a quiet rural stretch known more for tractors and farm turns than breaking news, everything stopped just after 9:45 a.m.
following a violent collision between a lorry and a white Peugeot Partner. The impact was so severe that debris fanned across both lanes, forcing an immediate shutdown of the road Behind the wheel of the Peugeot was **John Elder**, a 57-year-old from Ballymoney whose routine drive turned tragically final.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but police confirmed that Elder did not survive the crash and was pronounced dead where he sat. The lorry driver, though shaken, was evaluated by paramedics and did not require hospital treatment. No secondary collisions occurred, a testament to how quickly responding officers were able to secure the site and redirect oncoming traffic.
Firefighters worked methodically to stabilize the wreckage, using hydraulic tools to ensure the crushed vehicle could be examined safely. As they stepped back, the PSNI Collision Investigation Unit moved in, beginning the painstaking process of mapping debris fields, photographing impact points, and analyzing every variable that might explain what happened in those final seconds.
Investigators are now reviewing visibility at the time of impact, recent road conditions, possible mechanical failures, and the histories of both vehicles. Locals familiar with the stretch say the road can be deceptively tricky, with sudden curves and elevation changes that challenge drivers even on clear mornings.
While the official cause remains under investigation, the loss of John Elder has left the Ballymoney community grieving a man remembered for his steady nature, kindness, and willingness to help anyone who crossed his path. As the analysis continues, one fact remains certain: a quiet road now carries the weight of a devastating tragedy.
