Ballynahinch / Seaforde crash: Police confirm man’s death in Co Down

Police were called after the man was discovered at quarry premises on Newcastle Road, Seaforde, shortly after 4pm on Monday.

The man, who was a pedestrian, was hit by a white HGV Renault lorry in The Square Ballynahinch before the discovery.

Inspector Cherith Adair from the Police Service's Collision Investigation Unit said: "Officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from other emergency services.

"A number of roads were closed for a time between Seaforde and Ballynahinch town centre in order to enable police enquiries into exactly what occurred."

The roads affected have now reopened.

"A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the road traffic collision is currently ongoing.

"We would appeal to anyone with any information or who may have dash-cam or mobile phone 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."

It comes after the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service earlier said "no patients were transported to hospital" following a "serious incident".

Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard said: "Tragic news that a man has died in a road traffic collision in Ballynahinch & I want to firstly extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

"The local 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.

"I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services for their efforts at the scene.

This is another sad reminder of the pressing need to move forward and deliver the Ballynahinch Bypass."

On Monday afternoon, the PSNI said several roads were closed in Ballynahinch town centre, including the junction of Harmony Road and Windmill Street, Church Street, Church Road, Dromore Road and Dromore Street, due to a road traffic incident.

The A24 Newcastle Road in Seaforde was also closed with local diversions in place.

Locator: Newcastle Road in Seaforde

A spokesperson for the NIAS said: "The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 4.12pm on Monday 8 April following reports of an incident in the Newcastle Road area of Seaforde.

"NIAS despatched two Emergency Crews to the incident.

"No patients were transported to hospital."