Police appeal after motorcyclist dies

Police appeal after motorcyclist dies

20 August 2014

POLICE are continuing to appeal for witnesses to a crash in Ballynahinch in which a motorcyclist died.

The man was initially taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast in a serious condition following the one-vehicle collision on Monday evening. He later died of his injuries.

The crash happened shortly before 6pm on the Downpatrick Road in Ballynahinch near the Mossvale Road junction.

The area between the between Cumber Road and Magheralone Road was sealed off to allow for investigations to take place. The road has since reopened to traffic.

Police have appealed for anyone who was travelling on the Downpatrick Road at the time of the crash to contact them.

South Down MP, Margaret Ritchie, who passed the area shortly before the accident occurred, said she was “saddened”.

“I had just travelled along that road about 10 minutes before the tragic accident occurred,” she said. “This road carries a large volume of traffic between Downpatrick and Ballynahinch.

“My heartfelt sympathies and condolences are with the family, friends and colleagues of the individual who lost their lives in this accident last night.”

Down Council chairman Billy Walker said he regretted the loss of another life on local roads.

“I send my condolences to the family at this very sad time for them and remind motorists to be careful on the roads,” he said.

Councillor Anne McAleenan was among local representatives also extending their sympathies.

“The accident occurred near Drumaness,” she said. “It is on a corner but it is not somewhere that has a history of accidents. It is very sad.”

Councillor Patrick Clarke added: “I am deeply saddened that this motorcyclist has lost his life on the road. I would like to express my sympathies to his family and friends.

“We must do more to improve road safety to prevent further lives being lost on our roads. I know the Environment Minister has looked to improve road safety through several high profile campaigns, but it is clear that he must increase his efforts.”

Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact investigating officers at its Collision Investigation Unit or through Downpatrick PSNI on 101.