“Deep concern” as burning car abandoned on train track in Northern Ireland

A train with passengers on board was forced to make an emergency stop.

Northern Ireland's Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has expressed her "deep concern" after a car was set on fire and abandoned on the railway line in Limavady between Derry and Coleraine on Monday night. The incident occurred at around 7.45pm and caused a train travelling from Belfast to Derry with passengers on board to be forced to make an emergency stop. No one was injured and the railway line between Derry and Coleraine has now reopened. PSNI Chief Inspector Sinead McIldowney described the incident as “reckless endangerment to life” and praised the heroics of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

I've just been sent this video of a car on fire on the Derry to Coleraine railway line in Magilligan. The train got stopped just in time. The @NIFRSOFFICIAL says they're currently on site. No further info. @Translink_NI @BBCNewsNI pic.twitter.com/QaqrRpyJ7C

— Dean McLaughlin (@Dean_Journalist) April 12, 2021

A PSNI spokesperson told JOE: "Our investigation is currently underway to establish the circumstances into this incident. "We are appealing for any witnesses to contact police on quoting serial number 1945 of the 12/04/21.” People can also submit a report line using the non-emergency reporting form or can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online. In a statement on Monday night, Minister Mallon said: “I am deeply concerned and troubled by the incident near Bellarena this evening. "The train travelling from Belfast to Derry was brought thankfully to a stop by the train driver who acted quickly before the train reached the burning car on the track. “I am so relieved to hear that passengers and crew are all safe. It is unimaginable to think what could have happened this evening had it not been for the prompt action of the driver and crew. I want to express my gratitude to them and to the emergency services. “I would urge anyone with any information about this incident to contact the PSNI.”