Horror train crashstaged by Translink

NIR recreated the collision to remind pedestrians and motorists of the very serious consequences of trespassing on or near tracks.

Over the past year NI Railways has recorded an average of 10 incidents of misuse at public crossings per month and almost 160 prosecutions have been made - 91 of which have been safety related.

A rise of reports of children and young people playing on railway lines over the summer months has also raised much concern, with over 110 incidents of trespass in July and August on the rail network.

Earlier this year the Sentinel reported hundreds of safety issues were recorded at unmanned level crossings on the Londonderry to Coleraine line after the son of a former Mayor of the city was killed when a train hit his tractor at Myroe in 2007.

Limavady farmer James Craig (70) - whose father Thomas was Mayor of Londonderry in the 1970s - was killed at an unmanned crossing on the Carrowclare Road in August 2007.

The veteran farmer had been cutting barley when the accident occurred. None of 60 passengers on the train from Londonderry to Belfast were hurt in the collision, though the driver was shaken and taken to hospital.

The Sentinel revealed that between 2007 and 2011 there were an incredible 1,208 safety issues reported at unmanned crossings in the North West.

During that period there were six near misses and one death - that of Mr Craig. It’s emerged that safety issues were reported at dozens of private crossings as well as at Ballykelly airport (20) and the Foyle Bridge (12) over the five years.

Speaking after NIR’s renactment Head of Rail Operations at Translink, Ian Campbell commented: “Safety continues to be a priority for Translink and unfortunately many pedestrians and motorists are oblivious to the very real dangers that exist.

“The rules are simple - don’t use the tracks as a shortcut; on the platform always wait behind the yellow line; never mess around near the tracks; use railway crossings safely and motorists should never be tempted to jump the lights or beat the barriers at railway crossings. We have been running our ‘Deadline’ rail safety campaign all summer to reinforce these messages.

“As well as being a valuable training opportunity, the exercise in Antrim is a vivid reminder of Translink’s and the emergency services role in protecting and ensuring safe journeys for all passengers, pedestrians and motorists.”

Paul Coyle, Group Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said: “Our role when we attend emergency incidents at level crossings is to stabilise vehicles and rescue people trapped as quickly as possible so that they can receive medical attention.

“As a Fire and Rescue Service, we work in partnership with Translink and the PSNI to ensure the safety of our community at level crossings. The training exercise at Sheep Pen level crossing in Antrim not only helps test our emergency response to such incidents but is a stark reminder for the public of the consequences of a moment’s lapse in concentration or taking unnecessary risks on our roads.”

Translink would also like to remind pedestrians and motorists that for reasons of safety, CCTV is in operation at stations, railway crossings and on all trains. These monitor inappropriate behavior and, in an effort to keep everyone safe, Translink prosecute anyone caught damaging property, trespassing or endangering others. By working together dangerous incidents can be prevented.

For information on how Translink supports schools, parents and young people you can view our safety videos on http://www.youtube.com/user/TranslinkNI or contact our press office on 028 90899455 for a copy of our safety DVD.