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Man dead in tractor/train crash | Man dead in tractor/train crash |
(10 minutes later) | |
A farmer has been killed in a collision between a train and tractor in County Londonderry. | |
James Craig, 70, died in the crash at an unmanned crossing on the Carrowclare Road near Limavady at 1530 BST. He had been driving the tractor. | |
Translink said there were no reports of injuries to train passengers or staff, but the train driver was very shaken. | |
The road has been closed and an investigation is under way. Train services have been disrupted. | |
Mr Craig's son, Robert, described his father as a character. | |
He said he had been checking his fields to see if straw was ready for baling just before the accident happened. | |
"He loved farming, his life was for farming. He took very little holidays, just worked hard and he kept us working hard," he said. | |
"He was a strong Christian man, loved his church and he has gone to rest with the Lord." | |
'Tragic accident' | |
The crash involved the 15.05 train from Londonderry and the line between the city and Castlerock is closed. Bus substitutions are in place. | |
Passengers on the train reported hearing a loud bang at about 1530 BST and seeing smoke and sparks. The driver then informed them there had been a collision. | Passengers on the train reported hearing a loud bang at about 1530 BST and seeing smoke and sparks. The driver then informed them there had been a collision. |
A spokesperson for Northern Ireland Railways said: "It would appear from early investigations that this has been a tragic accident. | |
"Northern Ireland Railways would like to extend their condolences to the family and friends of the driver of the tractor". | |
The police and Translink officials are at the scene. |