‘Heartbreaking tragedy’ as female pedestrian, 24, killed in Belfast ‘hit-and-run’

A 24-year-old woman has died after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident in North Belfast early on Thursday morning. Raven Adams, from Tipperary, was pronounced dead at the scene near York Street, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). A second pedestrian, a 22-year-old man, sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized for treatment. The collision occurred shortly before 2:40 am when police received a report of a single-vehicle accident involving two pedestrians. The driver, identified as a 22-year-old man, fled the scene immediately after the crash. He was later apprehended by officers in the nearby Cavehill area. At present, the suspect remains in police custody while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to Detective Inspector Stewart from the PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit, emergency services responded promptly to the scene, providing medical assistance to both victims. “The female was pronounced deceased at the scene,” Stewart stated. “The male has been taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries.” The road where the collision took place has since been fully reopened following earlier temporary closures. Authorities are appealing for witnesses or individuals with relevant information, such as dash-cam footage or CCTV recordings, to come forward. Those wishing to provide information can contact the PSNI via a witness appeal form using reference number 181 16/07/26, or by calling 101 directly. Local political figures have expressed their sorrow over the incident. Phillip Brett, a DUP MLA representing the area, described the tragedy as deeply saddening. In a statement, he extended his condolences to Raven Adams' family, friends, and loved ones, emphasizing the profound impact of her death on the community. “I would urge anyone who witnessed the collision, or who has dash cam, CCTV or any other information that could assist the investigation, to contact the PSNI on 101, quoting reference 181 of 16 July 2026,” Brett added. He called for public support during the ongoing inquiry and acknowledged the efforts of emergency responders who attended the scene under challenging conditions. The incident has sparked concern among residents and local officials alike, highlighting the need for increased awareness regarding road safety and the importance of reporting suspicious activity. As the investigation progresses, authorities will likely seek further evidence to determine whether the driver was impaired or acting recklessly at the time of the collision. The PSNI has emphasized the significance of community cooperation in such cases, noting that even minor details can contribute significantly to solving crimes and ensuring justice for victims. With the suspect already in custody, investigators are now focused on piecing together the sequence of events leading up to the crash. In the days ahead, the focus will shift toward supporting the victim’s family and addressing broader concerns related to road safety in the region. The outcome of the investigation may influence future policy decisions aimed at preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.