The scene was like from a disaster movie

The scene was like from a disaster movie

3 March 2021

THE centre of Crossgar resembled a war zone on Monday morning following a horrific accident which damaged a number of vehicles, wrecked a historic water pump and bus shelter and also damaged the exterior of a pub.

It is understood that a Volkswagen Golf entered the village from the Saintfield Road at high speed shortly before 5am, crashing into a number of parked cars and a pub before careering into the 100 year-old water pump and bus shelter adjacent to the village’s Catholic church.

Two men who were in the Golf had to be cut free by firefighters and were taken to hospital with the emergency services, residents and politicians agreeing that it was a miracle that no one was killed after viewing the trail of destruction.

Downpatrick Street remained closed for a number of hours to allow police to carry out detailed investigations while a structural engineer carried out an examination of a number of buildings.

Politicians have expressed their shock at what happened and praised the response of the emergency services.

South Down MLA Harry Harvey — who lives in nearby Kilmore — says he is thankful that no one sustained life-threatening injuries as a result of the crash.

“I was shocked to learn about the crash and it is evident from the path of destruction left behind that the two men involved are very lucky to have escaped without serious injury,” he said.

Mr Harvey said what happened highlighted the importance of driving safely and reducing speed through built-up areas, regardless of the time of day or night. 

He added: “Had this accident occurred during the day, the outcome could have been devastating.” 

Rowallane councillor Terry Andrews said while cars and buildings can be replaced, lives cannot.

“It is a miracle that no one lost their life as a result of this horrific accident. The scene in Downpatrick Street was one of devastation and carnage,” he said.

“Significant damage has been caused to several parked cars, a historic water pump, bus shelter and pub. One can only imagine what would have happened if this accident had happened during the day when people were going about their business.”

Cllr Andrews said a speeding car was one of the “worst kind of weapons imaginable” and appealed to drivers to slow down, obey the speed limits in place and drive with caution. 

“Cars and buildings can be replaced but lives cannot,” he declared. “My thoughts are with all those caught up in this horrific accident and no doubt the police will be able to determine exactly what happened from their investigations.

“I could not believe the scene I witnessed on Monday morning. The scene was like something out of a disaster movie.”

Slieve Croob councillor Cathy Mason said the community was “shocked and sickened” following the early morning crash.

“It’s a miracle that neither the occupants of the vehicle, nor local residents were killed following this reckless incident,” she continued.

“There is absolutely no place for this type of behaviour in our society and those responsible must now face the full rigour of the law.”

Police have appealed for information and are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the accident, or has any dashcam footage of the accident.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact police on the non-emergency 101 number, quoting reference 171 of 1/3/21.