Tributes after death of Maghera primary school principal during Storm Arwen

Q Radio News

Tributes are being paid to a local primary school principal who died after a tree fell on his car during Storm Arwen.

Francis Lagan was head of St Mary's Primary in Maghera.

His car was struck by the tree as he travelled with his family on the Dublin Road outside Antrim yesterday afternoon. 

The school has described Mr. Lagan as a "much loved principal," adding: "May his gentle soul rest in peace."

PSNI: Police confirm a man has died after the car he was driving was struck by a falling tree on the Dublin Road in Antrim today. The Dublin Road remains closed in both directions at this time and diversions are in place. There are no further details at present. pic.twitter.com/qbsEDavegW

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 26, 2021

Video: Police at the scene of this afternoon's fatal accident in Antrim. A man died after his car was struck by a falling tree on the Dublin Road. The road remains closed with diversions in place. pic.twitter.com/3xX8n2FxHp

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 26, 2021

Francis Lagan - died after tree fell on his car outside Antrim on Friday

Scene of Friday's fatal accident, Dublin Road, Antrim. Picture: Alan Lewis

Meanwhile, a yellow weather warning for strong winds across the region remains in place until 6pm this evening.

Overnight 2,400 homes were without electricity in Larne as the storm battered the east coast.

Air and sea travel disruption is expected and passengers are asked to check arrangements with their airline or ferry company.

In the Republic weather warnings are in place in Donegal, Mayo and Sligo.

“The Dark Hedges” avenue of beech trees near Armoy in County Antrim where scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed has also been hit by Storm Arwen. Picture: Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia