6 June 2002

DRD MINISTER PLANS ASSEMBLY STATEMENT ON DERAILMENT

Regional Development Minister, Peter Robinson, MP MLA, today visited the site of Tuesday’s train derailment near Downhill on the Londonderry to Coleraine railway line.

He expressed his concern for the people who were injured, including the driver of the train, and to all the other passengers who experienced the traumatic event.

The Minister indicated his intention to make a statement on the derailment of the train to the Assembly next week.

Mr Robinson said: "I was out of the country when the accident happened and insisted on visiting the scene as soon as possible after my return.

"Prior to my visit, I spent today receiving briefing from Translink and officials in the Department regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident.

"At this stage, it appears that the cause of the derailment was a rock fall from a nearby cliff face which resulted in the 12.50pm train from Londonderry to Belfast striking a large boulder which had fallen on to the line.

"It is vital to consider if the accident could have been prevented and if there are any measures that can be taken to ensure as far as possible that such an incident does not occur again.

"As I am still gathering information it would be wrong for me to comment further at this stage but I intend to make a statement to the Assembly next week.

"My main concern at this stage is for those who were injured and their families – not just the physical injuries but the psychological effect such accidents can have. A derailment at a speed of 60mph could have had much more serious consequences and we can only be grateful that there was no loss of life."

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