14 March 2005

REPORT INTO FATAL ACCIDENT ON FOYLE PUBLISHED

Dr Malcolm McKibbin, Chief Executive of Roads Service, today announced publication of the Hyder report into the circumstances of the accident on Foyle Bridge on 11 January 2005, which resulted in the tragic death of Peter McGuinness.

Mr McGuinness died when the Heavy Goods Vehicle he was driving across Foyle Bridge during strong cross winds veered off the road and rolled over on the parapet, before falling approximately 100 feet onto the mudflats beneath.

The Report finds that Roads Service had appropriate procedures in place for closure of the bridge during high winds and that these procedures were followed on the day of the accident. It also finds that the bridge parapets were in accordance with established standards and practice at the time of construction and were in good condition. The Report identifies certain areas where Roads Service might improve the management of the bridge during high winds.

Welcoming the Report, Dr M McKibbin said: "I wish to express my sympathy to the McGuinness family in what has been a tragic event for them. I have had a helpful and constructive meeting with them, where I explained the Report’s findings and have assured them that Roads Service fully accepts the Report’s recommendations."

Mr Geoff Allister, Director of Engineering with Roads Service said: "I am pleased that the Report finds that Roads Service had appropriate procedures in place and that these were followed. We have already started work on implementing the Report’s recommendations."

The Hyder Report is available on the Roads Service website – www.roadsni.gov.uk.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

For further media queries contact Paddy Cullen, DRD Information Office on 028 9054 0817.

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