Tragic road crash victim Kiea McCann
Kiea McCann, 17, and Dlava Mohamed, 16, were lost their lives on Monday evening in Monaghan.
Two other people were also critically injured in the crash on the N54 road near the town of Clones.
The principal of Largy College in Clones said the school’s staff and pupils were in “deep shock” over the girls’ deaths.
Five people were travelling in the car when it crashed on its way to a debutants’ ball – a dinner-dance event for school-leavers – in Monaghan town.
The vehicle was driven by a 60-year-old man who was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast in a critical condition.
Tragic road crash victim
Dlava Mohamed
An 18-year-old man who sustained non-life-threatening injuries was treated at the same hospital.
The end-of-year “debs” ball was organised by Largy College, a secondary school which has about 450 pupils.
Its principal Sharon Magennis said: “It is with profound sadness and grief that we have learned about the devastating accident that resulted in the untimely and tragic loss of two cherished members of our school community.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends who have tragically lost loved ones.”
She said the school’s priority was the welfare of its students, their parents and teaching staff.
“The Largy College critical incident team has met to coordinate a response and to enact the critical incident plan,” added Ms Magennis.
The college opened on Monday night to provide support for the schoolmates of the victims, according to Monaghan councillor Pat Treanor.
“It’s an absolute horror that’s unfolding here from last night,” he said.
“All these young people were gathering on the Diamond in Clones to meet and head to the debs, with all the joy and the photographs and parents dropping them off.
“From that to about an hour later, hearing about this terrible tragedy, people are shocked and I suppose trying to come to terms with it.”
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