The Minister for Regional Development Peter Robinson has announced there is to be an independent investigation into the train crash in County Londonderry last week.

Mr Robinson said he had asked Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate to conduct the investigation into the railway accident at Downhill last Tuesday, where 12 people were injured when the train was derailed after it hit a boulder on the railway track.

The investigation will begin immediately and will be conducted by Gerard Kerr, who until recently was the Principal Railway Inspector for Scotland Mr Robinson said.

Mr Robinson said: “I have received a briefing on the accident from the Managing Director of Translink, Ted Hesketh, and on the basis of that information it appears that the accident arose as a result of a series of unfortunate circumstances."

Mr Robinson said there would no limitations on the Inspector in relation to who he takes evidence from, how he conducts his inquiries or the issues he deems it appropriate to investigate.

“On the basis of the investigation and the consideration of any further evidence, the Inspector should report on his findings and make recommendations on any necessary steps needed to address any safety deficiencies identified,” Mr Robinson told the Northern Ireland Assembly today.

“It is in the public’s interest that these matters are conducted in an open and transparent manner and the investigations must be thorough and comprehensive.”

Mr Robinson paid also tribute to the train driver, the guard and the passengers on the train as well as the public spiritedness of the motorist who contacted the police to report the boulder on the line.

He also commended the emergency services for their professionalism in responding to the incident and the local people who provided care and comfort to the injured.

(AMcE)