14/03/2005
Road Service cleared of blame for Foyle Bridge death
A report into an accident on the Foyle Bridge in January which saw a lorry driver plunge to his death has said that “appropriate procedures” were in place for the Bridge to remain open.
Peter McGuinness died when the Heavy Goods Vehicle he was driving during strong cross winds veered off the road and rolled over on the parapet, before falling approximately 100 feet onto the mudflats beneath.
Today’s publication of the Hyder report into the circumstances of the accident found that the 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 continued. “The Report identifies certain areas where Roads Service might improve the management of the bridge during high winds.”
Welcoming the Report, Chief Executive of Roads Service Dr Malcolm 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.”
A separate police inquiry into the accident, which occurred on January 11, is currently taking place.
(MB)
Peter McGuinness died when the Heavy Goods Vehicle he was driving during strong cross winds veered off the road and rolled over on the parapet, before falling approximately 100 feet onto the mudflats beneath.
Today’s publication of the Hyder report into the circumstances of the accident found that the 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 continued. “The Report identifies certain areas where Roads Service might improve the management of the bridge during high winds.”
Welcoming the Report, Chief Executive of Roads Service Dr Malcolm 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.”
A separate police inquiry into the accident, which occurred on January 11, is currently taking place.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 September 2018
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
17 June 2016
NI Executive And Irish Govt To Review Narrow Water Bridge Project
The NI Executive and the Irish Government have agreed to undertake a review of the Narrow Water Bridge project, the Finance Minister has confirmed. Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir visited the site and met with local representatives to discuss the project.
NI Executive And Irish Govt To Review Narrow Water Bridge Project
The NI Executive and the Irish Government have agreed to undertake a review of the Narrow Water Bridge project, the Finance Minister has confirmed. Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir visited the site and met with local representatives to discuss the project.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
26 May 2021
Toddler Dies In Tragic Accident In Aghalee
An investigation has launched after a three-year-old boy died following an accident involving a car near his home in Co Armagh. The collision occurred on the Boghead Bridge Road, Aghalee, just outside Lurgan on Tuesday, 25 May. The toddler was treated at the scene before being taken to Craigavon Area Hospital.
Toddler Dies In Tragic Accident In Aghalee
An investigation has launched after a three-year-old boy died following an accident involving a car near his home in Co Armagh. The collision occurred on the Boghead Bridge Road, Aghalee, just outside Lurgan on Tuesday, 25 May. The toddler was treated at the scene before being taken to Craigavon Area Hospital.
13 November 2012
Officer: 'Only Option Was To Shoot'
A police officer has told an inquest he had no option but to shoot when he was confronted with a robber at a petrol station. 29-year-old Marc Alexander Ringland died in hospital after being shot in the chest by the officer. He had carried out the robbery at a petrol station on the Albert bridge Road in east Belfast last February.
Officer: 'Only Option Was To Shoot'
A police officer has told an inquest he had no option but to shoot when he was confronted with a robber at a petrol station. 29-year-old Marc Alexander Ringland died in hospital after being shot in the chest by the officer. He had carried out the robbery at a petrol station on the Albert bridge Road in east Belfast last February.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.