Bridge experts to investigate lorry death plunge

A leading bridge consultancy firm has been called in to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident in which a lorry plunged 150 feet from the deck of the Foyle Bridge in Londonderry on Tuesday.

The driver, Peter McGuinness, 35, from Aghagallon near Lurgan died when his unladen articulated lorry, which was towing a trailer, was blown through the bridge safety railings.

Local politicians had called for an inquiry into why the bridge, which is normally closed in high winds, was open to high-sided vehicles with winds forecast to exceed 90 miles per hour on the day of the tragedy.

The Department of Regional Development Roads Service confirmed that Hyder Consultants Limited, one of the UK’s leading bridge consultants, has been commissioned to investigate and report on the circumstances of the accident. The PSNI are also conducting their own investigation into the fatality.

The Chief Executive of Roads Service, Dr Malcolm McKibbin, said: "Whilst Roads Service adhered to procedures which have stood us in good stead over the past 10 years, we have decided to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident and the continuing appropriateness of those procedures."

He said that Roads Service monitored the average wind speeds on the bridge which are measured at the site every three seconds. If the average wind speed exceeds 50 mph, Roads Service considers closing the bridge in consultation with the PSNI. Alternatively, if the PSNI considers that the bridge should be closed on the basis of their own information it will contact Roads Service and the bridge will be closed.

Dr McKibben said that the fencing, part of the vehicle restraint system on the bridge, was found to be in a "satisfactory condition" during a recent inspection.

It is understood that the measured wind conditions over the bridge deck had not exceeded levels at which the bridge should be closed. However, one HGV driver who had crossed the bridge around three hours previously had claimed that his lorry had been blown across the carriageway by the wind.

A contraflow system on one carriageway of the bridge is expected to be in operation for at least three days while the fencing is repaired and investigations at the scene of the accident are completed.

(SP)