Teenager charged over fatal Markethill crash

A TEENAGER has been charged with causing three deaths and serious injury to four others by dangerous driving in a horror four-vehicle crash in Armagh last year.
Josh McGleenan (19) from Ashveagh, Benburb, who faces 10 charges in total, is accused of causing the deaths of Ciara McElvanna along with husband-and-wife Patrick and Ciera Grimley.
There are also four counts of causing grievous bodily injury to a woman and three men, one of whom was Mrs McElvanna’s husband Kevin.
McGleenan is further charged with driving in excess of the 60mph speed limit while using a mobile phone and without proper control of the vehicle.
The incident occurred at Gosford Road, Markethill on 4 November, 2023, and nine people were initially taken to hospital.
A police officer aware of the facts of the case told Newry Magistrates Court all charges could be connected.
District Judge Eamonn King remanded McGleenon on bail to return to court next month.
Mr and Mrs Grimley, who were parents to three children, were returning from a night out in Dundalk celebrating his 40th birthday with family and friends.
He died at the scene and Mrs McIlvana passed away in hospital four days later. She was a mother to four children with husband Kevin who also sustained serious injuries, Mrs Grimley lost her fight the same day Mrs McIlvanna was laid to rest.
Following the incident police launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision, requesting anyone with information or video footage to contact them.
In March this year officers from the Collision Investigation Unit closed the road for a time to allow for a reconstruction and testing of the scene.
It is understood McGleenon was interviewed as a result of these investigations and subsequently charged.
Given the seriousness of the case it will be transferred to crown court for trial in due course.