20/04/2009

Two Motorcyclists Die On NI Roads

There were two road fatalities in Northern Ireland at the weekend.

Along with a third road crash victim in Co Donegal this brings the death toll across Ireland to three in just 48 hours.

Both of the victims in Northern Ireland were motorcyclists and the driver of a car lost his life in the Co Donegal crash.

The victims were named today as Tom Robinson, 52, from Whitehead, who was killed when his bike and a police motorcycle collided on the Garron Road outside Carnlough.

Peter Brownlee, 40, from Newtownabbey - who was also on a motorbike - died on the Glenravel Road in Ballymena.

The car driver was also identified today. He was Hugh Donegan, 32, from Shantallow in Londonderry.

He died in Co Donegal when his car hit a fence.

The police said that Mr Robinson was killed at an accident blackspot on Garron Road, outside Carnlough, at about 2.20pm on Sunday.

At the time, police were escorting a group of motorcyclists from the Carrickfergus-based Quay Vipers motor cycle club in a charity ride along the coast road.

The police officer who was injured was treated in hospital. His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

The incident has been reported to the Police Ombudsman who is carrying out an investigation.

In the separate incident, Mr Brownlee died when his bike was in collision with a van near Ballymena.

The accident took place on the Glenravel Road at about 10.30am on Sunday.

Declan O'Loan, SDLP MLA for North Antrim, said: "I want to express my sympathy to the family of the motorcyclist killed on the Glenravel Road. It is very sad when a motorcycle outing on this beautiful Spring day ends in such tragedy.

"The very high number of motorcycle fatalities must cause all of us great concern. This is an area of road safety which needs particular attention."

(AC/JM)

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