[20-6-2011] Level Crossing Incident

[Mark Gleeson]

As is typical Irish Rail aren't saying much

Bus transfers Newry to Dundalk by Press Office

Bus transfers Newry-Dundalk: train struck car at level crossing: delays as a result

Translink is a little better

Last Update: 09:14 Monday 20th June 2011

Bus Substituation between Newry and Dundalk
The line is closed between Newry and Dundalk due to an obstruction on the line, a bus substituation service is in operation. Enterprise passengers should be advised to expect some delays and disruption to services.

Unclear if it was the empty Dundalk - Newry train or last nights 23:59 Connolly Belfast Take That special

Its most certainly the Meigh level crossing so favoured in the dark days of the troubles

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=5.... 67,,0,10.65

[Mark Gleeson]

It is Meigh, not a surprise, but the rail line is straight for a good mile or more on the approach, you would imagine plenty of time to spot the car and stop

Train strikes car on Belfast to Dublin railway line
A train has struck an abandoned car on the main Belfast to Dublin rail line.

It happened near Meigh in County Armagh at around 0600 BST on Monday.

Translink said the railway is closed between Newry and Dundalk and bus substitutions are in place.

Traffic disruptions are expected and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes for their journey.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-13837283

[Mark Gleeson]

Translink is reporting line reopened

[Mark Gleeson]

Belfast to Dublin railway line reopens after car strike
The railway line between Newry and Dundalk has been reopened after a train struck an abandoned car.

It happened near Meigh in County Armagh at around 0600 BST on Monday.

The railway between Newry and Dundalk was closed for a time.

The car was believed to have been stolen and was driven on to the tracks at Meigh.

An Irish rail commuter train travelling from Dundalk to Newry hit the vehicle.

There was heavy fog on the line and the driver did not see the car until the last minute.

No passengers were on board the train and no-one was injured in the incident.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-13837283
The fog element starts to explain why the train did not stop in time

Highly unlikely an accident like this would happen on the Irish Rail network as half barrier crossings are nearly all replaced with 4 barrier CCTV monitored gates.

The accident people generally do not investigate in the case of criminal/vandal activity. If an investigation occurs it is likely that the RAIU in Dublin will do the inquiry as it was an Irish train, with Irish crew near the border, as per the EU rules.