Body of pedestrian in 70s found seven miles away after Ballynahinch lorry collision
A pedestrian in his seventies has died after he was hit by a lorry in Co Down and his body later discovered when the vehicle stopped around seven miles away.
The man, whose name has not yet been released, was found at quarry premises in the Newcastle Road area of Seaforde on Monday.
Police said it is understood the victim had “collided” with a white HGV Renault lorry a short time earlier in The Square area of Ballynahinch.
His body was only discovered when the lorry stopped at the quarry.
Inspector Cherith Adair from the Police Service’s Collision Investigation Unit said: “Police received a report of the sudden death of a man at quarry premises in the Newcastle Road area of Seaforde at approximately 4.10pm on Monday afternoon, 8th April.
“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.
“We understand, sadly, the pedestrian collided with a white HGV Renault lorry a short time earlier in The Square area of Ballynahinch.
“He was sadly subsequently discovered already deceased when the lorry stopped at its location in Seaforde.”
Ms Adair added that 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,” she said.
“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.”
Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard has expressed his condolences with the family and friends of the man killed.
“It’s tragic news that a man has died in a road traffic collision and I want to firstly extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends,” he said.
“The 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
Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard.
PICTURE: JONATHAN PORTER/PRESSEYE
“I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services for their efforts at the scene and would appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to police.
“This is another sad reminder of the pressing need to move forward and deliver the Ballynahinch bypass.”
Alliance councillor David Lee-Surginor said: “My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the man who tragically passed away.
“I extend my gratitude to the NIAS and PSNI for their swift response to the incident.
“While we wait for the PSNI to conclude their investigation into the circumstances of this tragedy, my thoughts are with everyone who was involved in the incident, as I’m sure it was traumatising for everyone involved.
“Enquiries are ongoing and I urge anyone with information or dash cam footage to contact the police immediately at 101, quoting reference number 1239 08/04/24.”