Northern Ireland

Passengers evacuated from train after it catches fire in Co Antrim

An inspection report has found the NIFRS has faced 'extremely challenging' circumstances in recent years.
Fire crews were called to the scene in Templepatrick on Monday at around 5.30pm
By Suzanne McGonagle

Passengers have been evacuated from a train after it caught fire in Co Antrim.

It happened in the Templepatrick area on Monday at around 5.30pm. It is reported that the rear carriage of the train was alight.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it sent seven appliances to the scene at Ballymartin Road following “reports of a fire involving a train”.

A spokesperson said: “On arrival at the incident firefighters carried out an inspection of the train and found that the fire was out on arrival.

“Firefighters and PSNI colleagues assisted passengers from the train and walked them to safety along the track to waiting buses at Ballymartin Park and Ride.

“The cause of the fire is still being investigated by Northern Ireland Railway.

“The incident was dealt with by 19.24.”

A police spokesperson said: “Officers attended to assist Translink and colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service with the evacuation of passengers.

“All those on board were brought to safety.”

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Translink said: “Due to emergency services dealing with an incident, services on the #DerryLondonderry to #Belfast line are subject to delays and disruption until further notice.

“A bus replacement service is currently in place between #Belfast & #Antrim.”