RAVINE PLUNGE HELL

Heartache as three die and survivor fights for life, Vehicle fell 30 metres off motorway embankment

- MICHAEL O'TOOLE and JEFF FARRELL, in Malaga

THESE are the two holidaying Irish couples who were involved in a horror smash in Spain which claimed three of their lives and left another critically ill.

Couple Mark McCullagh and Michaela Newcombe, both in their early 30s, died when the white Mercedes they were travelling in veered off the A-7 motorway and plunged about 30 metres down an embankment near Malaga.

Their friend Amy McCullagh also died in the crash while her husband, Mark's brother, Ian McCullagh, 31, was critically injured.

The pair had wed in southern Spain in a ceremony in August 2024.

The victims were all from the Co Westmeath town of Mullingar, which was in shock last night.

Michaela Newcombe worked in the Havana Sun beauty salon in the town, where she was head receptionist.

It was closed yesterday as a mark of respect as friends paid tribute to her on social media.

One said: “Heartbreaking is an understatement, such a kind caring beautiful soul. Michaela was full of life so talented in every way, the gift of the gab, always smiling always a kind word for everyone she met.

“She touched every person she met in this life and I for one am so happy I got to know her over the past few years in Havana, condolences to her family’s friends and all you girls at Havana .. it's Gonna be hard go back in not seeing her beautiful big smile there rip to an angel”

PERSONALITY