Shock after pensioner killed in traffic accident

Shock after pensioner killed in traffic accident

10 April 2024

POLICE have confirmed that a man in his 70s died following a tragic road accident in Ballynahinch on Monday afternoon.

The man was struck by a lorry at The Square at around 4pm and was found dead when the lorry stopped at a quarry outside Seaforde a short time later.

Police said a full investigation into the fatal incident was ongoing and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Inspector Cherith Adair, from the Police Service’s Collision Investigation Unit, said: “We understand the pedestrian collided with a white HGV Renault lorry in The Square area of Ballynahinch.

“The man was sadly discovered already deceased when the lorry stopped at its location in Seaforde.”

A number of roads in Ballynahinch were closed as well as the Newcastle Road leading to Seaforde.

Inspector Adair continued: “We would appeal to anyone with any information or who may have dash-cam or mobile footage available to get in touch.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have footage of both The Square area in Ballynahinch and the Newcastle Road, Seaforde, between 3.30pm and 4pm, to contact us at the Collision Investigation Unit at Sprucefield on 101, quoting reference number 1239 08/04/24.”

South Down MP Chris Hazzard expressed his condolences to the dead man’s family and friends.

“It’s tragic news that a man has died in a road collision and I want to firstly extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends,” he said.

“The community is shocked and heartbroken at this incident and I know they will rally around to support the man’s family in what will be difficult days ahead.

He added: “This is another sad reminder of the pressing need to move forward and deliver the Ballynahinch bypass.”

South Down MLA Cathy Mason also expressed her condolences.

“I want to send my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the man tragically killed in Ballynahinch yesterday and to anyone who was involved in the indecent,” she said.

“Knowing the community links in the area, I am sure they will rally around the devastated family in the difficult days that lie ahead.”

Mrs Mason encouraged anyone with information to get in touch with the police. 

Strangford MLA Harry Harvey said he was “deeply shocked” and he with the community of Ballynahinch in sending his deepest sympathy to the man’s family and friends.

SDLP councillor Terry Andrews said he hoped the community’s prayers were with the dead man’s family and he was certain people would rally round them.

Alliance councillor David Lee-Surginor said: “My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the man who tragically passed away.

“I extend my gratitude to the NIAS and PSNI for their swift response. Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information or dash cam footage is urged to contact police

Sinn Féin councillor JIim Brennan said: “It’s tragic news that a man has died in a road traffic collision and I want to firstly extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

“The community is shocked and heartbroken at this incident and I know they will rally around to support the man’s family in what will be extremely difficult days ahead. 

“I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services for their efforts at the scene and would appeal to anyone with information or dashcam footage to bring it forward to police.”