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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)
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