21/04/2009

Deadly Bus Accident In Newry

A 50-year-woman from Co Down died yesterday after being hit by a bus in Newry.

The female pedestrian, Bridget Cookson from Jerrettspass, was struck in the afternoon at the bus station in Merchant's Quay. Later, the bus centre was sealed off and passengers had to catch buses in other parts of the city.

Police appealed for witnesses to the incident to come forward, and said they wanted to talk to anyone who was travelling on the Ulsterbus express from Dublin to Belfast.

Translink, in addition to helping the Police Service of Northern Ireland with their enquiries, is also carrying out an internal investigation.

NI Transport Minister Conor Murphy, who is also the area's Member of the Parliament, has offered his sympathies to Mrs Cookson family.

"I am saddened to hear of her death yesterday in such difficult and sudden circumstances.

"My thoughts remain with her family at this time," the Minister said.

According to the Belfast Telegraph, there have already been calls for a review of traffic safety measures in Newry after this crash, which involved the 33rd death on the Northern Ireland's roads so far this year.

(AC/BMcC)

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