A train driver was commended for preventing a disaster after stopping his vehicle shortly before colliding with a burning car.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service was called to an incident tonight at 8:56 p.m. after a car was set on fire in Magilligan on the Derry to Coleraine railway line.
Footage has appeared online showing a train approaching the burning car before it comes to a stop in front of it.
NIFRS group commander David Doherty said: “A device from Limavady was sent to the scene after a car was put on the train tracks and set on fire.
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On the subject of matching items
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On the subject of matching items
“The fire destroyed the car and damaged part of the intersection. The scene was abandoned by NI Railways.”
Cara Hunter, MLA of East Derry, praised the train driver for his quick thinking and hoped no one was injured on board.
She said, “I would like to express my deepest admiration and gratitude to the driver of the train for bringing his passengers to safety in a terrible incident.
“You managed to stop the train just in time and I hope no one on board was injured as a result.
“I have contacted the police about this and hope that an investigation will be launched to see how this car ended up on the tracks and put so many people in a dangerous position.”
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon expressed her deep concern when Translink confirmed that a car burning incident had occurred on the railway line near Bellarena.
Minister Mallon said: “I am deeply concerned and concerned about the incident near Bellarena tonight. The train going from Belfast to Derry was thankfully stopped by the engine driver, who acted quickly before the train reached the burning car on the line.
“I’m so relieved to hear that passengers and crew are all safe. It is inconceivable to think what could have happened tonight if the driver and crew had not acted immediately. I would like to thank them and the emergency services.
“I would like to urge anyone with information about this incident to contact the PSNI.”
