Damage to smash train still being assessed

The full extent of damage to a train which collided with a piece of excavation equipment is still being assessed.

The accident happened at about 6.45am on Thursday just to the west of Lisburn, leading to the Lisburn-to-Portadown line being shut down for an entire day.

The obstruction on the railway line in Lisburn disrupted train services from Thursday morning onwardsplaceholder image
The obstruction on the railway line in Lisburn disrupted train services from Thursday morning onwards

The route is a key part of the rail network, and connects up to Newry, Dundalk and Dublin.

Translink confirmed on Friday that the piece of equipment which caused the accident was a digger bucket.

It said damage had been caused to both the tracks and the train itself, and that the latter was still being examined.

Service resumed as normal on Friday.

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