POLICE have confirmed that a man and woman have died following a road traffic collision in Co. Antrim on Saturday.
A third person was injured in the two-vehicle collision, which occurred in the Glenavy area.
Meanwhile, five people were injured and taken to hospital in a separate collision in Lisburn.
Three of the injured — two women and a child — are said to be in a serious condition.
In the Glenavy incident, a grey Skoda Fabia and a grey Cupra Formentor collided on the Lurgan Road shortly after 6.25pm yesterday.
“Our officers attended alongside emergency service partners, however, the two occupants of the Cupra were pronounced deceased at the scene,” said Chief Inspector Simpson of the PSNI.
“The driver of the Skoda was transferred to hospital for treatment to his injuries.
“The Lurgan Road remains closed this morning with a diversion in place at Pigeonstown Road.”
In a social media post, John Blair, Alliance MLA for South Antrim, wrote: “The saddest of news from Glenavy today.
“My sincere sympathy to the family and friends of those who’ve lost their lives in this tragic accident.
“Thinking also of the person injured.”
The Lisburn collision occurred around 90 minutes prior to the Glenavy incident.
At around 5pm, a bronze Volkswagen CC and grey Audi A4 collided on the Old Ballynahinch Road outside Saintfield.
“Officers attended alongside colleagues from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service,” said Sergeant Campbell of the PSNI.
“Five people were taken to hospital — a man, two women and two children.
“Both women and one child are being treated for injuries which are described as serious.”