11/03/2008
Road Haulage Safety Questioned
Just hours after Monday's near disastrous building collapse at a Belfast building site led to safety procedures at such locations being called into question, a runaway oil tanker has ploughed into a garden wall in Co Londonderry.
The safety of such large vehicles has been questioned after a number of nearby residents were evacuated from their homes when the vehicle overturned.
Emergency services were called to the scene at lunchtime, after oil began to leak from the overturned vehicle.
While no one was injured as a result of the incident, the potential for fatalities was dangerously high after the oil tanker was found to have rolled down a hill in the quiet residential street.
According to East Londonderry MLA John Dallat, the Environment Minister Arlene Foster should now launch a review as he said that yesterday's accident in Coleraine could have led to carnage.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were in attendance as a precautionary measure while the clean-up operation was carried out.
It took more than three hours to decant the oil from the overturned tanker to another vehicle and the DRD was also called to the scene to help with the operation.
Speaking from the scene of the accident, Bill Wilsdon, Coleraine district commander of the Fire and Rescue Service, explained: "As far as I know the tanker rolled down the hill.
"No-one was in it at the time. It hit a wall and fence and tipped over.
"At the time, it was almost full of oil and it started to leak. We were called to the scene at about 1.45pm. We had to evacuate a few homes as a precautionary measure as there was quite a strong smell of kerosene fumes.
"Thankfully the driver wasn't injured and no-one was about when the accident happened."
Calling for a review of regulations regarding the transportation of substances, such as oil, Mr Dallat said: "This had the potential to be very nasty indeed.
"The fact that no-one was injured is a miracle considering such a heavy vehicle which was carrying oil was involved.
"It is lucky the tanker didn't explode. It could have turned into a fireball so really the people living in the street have been very lucky. I would like to commend the quick clean up operation and hope there is no environmental impact as a result of the accident."
(BMcC)
The safety of such large vehicles has been questioned after a number of nearby residents were evacuated from their homes when the vehicle overturned.
Emergency services were called to the scene at lunchtime, after oil began to leak from the overturned vehicle.
While no one was injured as a result of the incident, the potential for fatalities was dangerously high after the oil tanker was found to have rolled down a hill in the quiet residential street.
According to East Londonderry MLA John Dallat, the Environment Minister Arlene Foster should now launch a review as he said that yesterday's accident in Coleraine could have led to carnage.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were in attendance as a precautionary measure while the clean-up operation was carried out.
It took more than three hours to decant the oil from the overturned tanker to another vehicle and the DRD was also called to the scene to help with the operation.
Speaking from the scene of the accident, Bill Wilsdon, Coleraine district commander of the Fire and Rescue Service, explained: "As far as I know the tanker rolled down the hill.
"No-one was in it at the time. It hit a wall and fence and tipped over.
"At the time, it was almost full of oil and it started to leak. We were called to the scene at about 1.45pm. We had to evacuate a few homes as a precautionary measure as there was quite a strong smell of kerosene fumes.
"Thankfully the driver wasn't injured and no-one was about when the accident happened."
Calling for a review of regulations regarding the transportation of substances, such as oil, Mr Dallat said: "This had the potential to be very nasty indeed.
"The fact that no-one was injured is a miracle considering such a heavy vehicle which was carrying oil was involved.
"It is lucky the tanker didn't explode. It could have turned into a fireball so really the people living in the street have been very lucky. I would like to commend the quick clean up operation and hope there is no environmental impact as a result of the accident."
(BMcC)
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02 July 2021
Man Dies In Incident Involving Tanker In Ballyclare
Police have issued an appeal for witnesses after a man was killed in an incident involving an oil tanker in Ballyclare, Co Antrim. According to reports, a man is believed to have become trapped under the tanker on the Ballyrobert Road at around 13:50 on Thursday 01 July.
Man Dies In Incident Involving Tanker In Ballyclare
Police have issued an appeal for witnesses after a man was killed in an incident involving an oil tanker in Ballyclare, Co Antrim. According to reports, a man is believed to have become trapped under the tanker on the Ballyrobert Road at around 13:50 on Thursday 01 July.
04 January 2012
Winds Delay Oil Transfer From Damaged Tanker, Again
Gale-force winds have once again delayed the transfer of oil from a damaged tanker docked at the entrance of Belfast Lough. It is understood that the vessel will remain anchored there until the weather conditions improve. The Genmar Companion has been anchored off the Copeland Islands since a crack developed in its upper deck on 16 December.
Winds Delay Oil Transfer From Damaged Tanker, Again
Gale-force winds have once again delayed the transfer of oil from a damaged tanker docked at the entrance of Belfast Lough. It is understood that the vessel will remain anchored there until the weather conditions improve. The Genmar Companion has been anchored off the Copeland Islands since a crack developed in its upper deck on 16 December.
16 December 2011
Oil Tanker Cracks Force Detour To Belfast
The Port of Belfast is being reported as the emergency destination for a troubled vessel off the coast of Ireland today. It is currently transporting more than 50 tonnes of fuel along the northwest, but has this morning radioed for assistance to report cracks in the ship, and to seek advice on a port where it could undergo repairs.
Oil Tanker Cracks Force Detour To Belfast
The Port of Belfast is being reported as the emergency destination for a troubled vessel off the coast of Ireland today. It is currently transporting more than 50 tonnes of fuel along the northwest, but has this morning radioed for assistance to report cracks in the ship, and to seek advice on a port where it could undergo repairs.
05 February 2010
Customs Seize Oil Tanker At Border
Officers from Revenue's Customs Service in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, have seized an oil tanker illegally importing kerosene from Northern Ireland. Customs officers, assisted by officers from Sligo, made the interception yesterday. In a follow-up search of three premises, officers detained further quantities of illegally imported product.
Customs Seize Oil Tanker At Border
Officers from Revenue's Customs Service in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, have seized an oil tanker illegally importing kerosene from Northern Ireland. Customs officers, assisted by officers from Sligo, made the interception yesterday. In a follow-up search of three premises, officers detained further quantities of illegally imported product.
06 January 2012
Concerns For Toddler On Board Damaged Tanker
Concerns have been raised for a two-year-old girl onboard a damaged oil tanker anchored at Belfast Lough, waiting to have its cargo transferred to another vessel. The Genmar Companion has been anchored off the Copeland Islands since a crack developed in its upper deck on 16 December.
Concerns For Toddler On Board Damaged Tanker
Concerns have been raised for a two-year-old girl onboard a damaged oil tanker anchored at Belfast Lough, waiting to have its cargo transferred to another vessel. The Genmar Companion has been anchored off the Copeland Islands since a crack developed in its upper deck on 16 December.
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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.