Northern Ireland

Train driver's quick actions averts tragedy after car fire

Translink staff carried out repairs on the line yesterday, Tuesday. Picture by Pacemaker
Translink staff carried out repairs on the line yesterday, Tuesday. Picture by Pacemaker Translink staff carried out repairs on the line yesterday, Tuesday. Picture by Pacemaker

Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon has praised a train driver who managed to avert a major tragedy by her quick actions after a car was set on fire on the main Belfast to Derry railway line.

The driver managed to stop the train just short of the burning car which was left on a level crossing on the Limestone Road at Bellarena near Limavady. Six passengers were on the train at the time. Police said that while the investigation was at an early stage, there was no information at present to suggest any link between the incident and recent loyalist disorder.

A PSNI spokesman said police were alerted to what he described as a “reckless endangerment to life” around 9pm on Monday night. The spokesman also praised the “heroics” of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who dealt with incident.

“Our investigation is currently underway to establish the circumstances into this incident,” he said.

Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon said she was “deeply concerned and troubled” by the incident.

“The train travelling from Belfast to Derry was brought thankfully to a stop by the train driver who acted quickly before the train reached the burning car on the track.

“I am so relieved to hear that passengers and crew are all safe. It is unimaginable to think what could have happened this evening had it not been for the prompt action of the driver and crew. I want express my gratitude to them and to the emergency services,” Ms Mallon said.

The minister, and her SDLP party colleague, east Derry assembly member, Cara Hunter, urged anyone with information about the incident to pass it on to police.

The attack was also condemned by Sinn Féin assembly member, Caoimhe Archibald and Limavady councillor, Brenda Chivers who also urged anyone with information to come forward.

Ms Archibald said the car could have caused a serious accident had the train not been able to stop in time.

“Those responsible for leaving a burning car on the railway line at Magilligan were completely reckless,” she said.