A tragic tragic road traffic accident took the life of a Dromara man last Thursday morning around 11.00am
Police are appealing for witnesses following the fatal collision in Ballynahinch on 13 August when an elderly pedestrian, Pat Branniff, a local blacksmith, was struck by a lorry on Windmill Street.
Police have now located a lorry believed to have been involved. The male driver has been arrested on suspicion of a number of motoring offences and is currently assisting police with their enquiries.
Inspector Kieran Quinn is appealing for anyone who was on Windmill Street at the time of the accident and witnessed the collision to contact local police or the Collision Investigation Unit on the non-emergency number 101.
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The section of road on Windmill Street where the fatal accident occured last Thursday.[/caption]
Shannon Shocked At Ballynahinch Death
Strangford constituency MP Jim Shannon MP (DUP) said I was shocked to learn that there had been a road accident resulting in the death of a pedestrian at Windmill St and High St Junction of Ballynahinch. Pat Branniff was killed as he crossed the busy road.
“This is the third serious accident at this location in three years with one other death and loss of a limb in the other case. The 86-year old man who died trying to cross at this dangerous junction did what so many people do and instead of heading up the street to the Pelican Crossing, he tried to cross at this dangerous area where cars simply can’t see to stop.
“This tragedy has again underlined the need for measures to be taken and whilst I do understand the financial pressure that Transport NI is under due to the Welfare Reform penalties which are not the fault of the Minister, I sincerely believe that steps MUST be taken urgently to address this safety issue. It is my belief that if steel railings were erected this would ensure that people couldn’t try to cross the road and would have no option but to go to one of the crossings.
“I have contacted the Minister asking for urgent attention but my thoughts and prayers are with the Branniff family at this time of sadness and grief and we must do all we can to ensure that another family does not face this grief in the future. This part of the road appears to be a safe crossing, but history has shown that it isn’t and something must be done urgently to ensure this does not happen again.”
Ritchie Expresses Condolences To Branniff Family
South Down MP Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) has expressed her deep sadness after learning of the death of a man after being hit by a lorry in Ballynahinch.
Ms Ritchie said: “I want to express my deepest condolences to the family of the man tragically killed after being struck by a lorry in Ballynahinch this morning. This will be a very difficult time for his close friends and family, I have no doubt the community will rally around them.
“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area and may have any further information to contact the PSNI as soon as possible.”
Local Councillors Saddened At Death Of Dromara Man
Slieve Croob Councillor Garth Craig (DUP) said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of this latest tragedy in the centre of Ballynahinch. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with this loved and respected family in our local community who have suffered such a great loss.
“This recent fatality involving a pedestrian and a large lorry is an exact repeat of a similar accident a few years ago and again underlines the necessity for a By-Pass around the town. High numbers of large vehicles passing through the town and pedestrians should not be expected to mix in the way that they do in Ballynahinch given the sharp turns through the town centre.
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Cllr Billy Walker pictured with Transport NI official Hugh Morgan close to the scene where the accident took place in Ballynahinch.[/caption]
“The Ballynahinch By-Pass must be given top priority by Transport NI on their Major Works programme.”
Rowallene Councillor Billy Walker (DUP) has met with a representative of the Roads Division and has called on safety measures to be introduced. He said: “I was very quickly on the scene when it happened and it was very distressing. This is the third accident with lorries in a couple of years costing two lives and one man losing a limb.
“I have spoken to Transport NI seeking barriers to be erected along this dangerous pavement area. Officials have indicated that this would require clearance from senior management at Transport NI. I believe that most of us have run the gauntlet on this part of the road including myself instead of walking fifteen yards up to the lights.
“Installing barriers is the only way that we can improve safety here quickly before someone else gets hurt. This is a very dangerous stretch of road. All of the fatalities and serious accidents have involved lorries.”
Sliebe Croob Councillor Mark Murnin (SDLP) who also attended the meeting with the Transport NI officials also expressed his deep sadness at the death of Mr Branniff and supported demands for more safety measures on Windmill Street.
Rowallene Councillor Terry Andrews (SDLP) also expressed his sympathy and condolances to the Branniff family and added that it was time for this part of the road to be made safer.
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