Last month, on 20th March, a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) collided with another vehicle, resulting in a collision with a containment barrier separating the carriageway and railway.

The collision occurred at around 16:40 on the M2 motorway in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with the
Rail Accident Investigation Branch launching an investigation.

The Belfast to Derry-Londonderry railway line is parallel to the motorway at the collision site, with the HGV crashing through the containment barrier and stopping just clear of passing trains.

The 15:51 service from Larne Town to Belfast passed the location not long after the incident, was able to effectively apply the brakes, passed the HGV at around 16 mph, and, luckily, no further collision occurred.

The driver made a stop at York Street station, where the signaller was informed.

Injuries did occur to the HGV driver as a result of the two collisions.

RAIB’s investigation will assess the management of risks associated with vehicle collisions in this location and the containment methods in use.

They will look at how the risks can be controlled and any underlying issues which could have prevented the incident.

A full report will be released along with recommendations in due course.