Fire and Rescue crews ‘commended’ following Draperstown crash

Three men were injured, two of them seriously, in the crash between a lorry and a van at Altagoan Bridge on the Magherafelt Road about a mile from the town, just after 5pm on November 6 last.

The impact of the collision left the van in a precarious situation as it had breached the bridge walls, leaving half of its rear teetering over the edge and ready to fall into the river Altagoan below.

Chief Fire Officer Chris Kerr attended a special event in Maghera Fire Station to present Commendations to both Stations.

The crews were commended on their professional conduct and initiative “at a complex road traffic accident.”

“In challenging circumstances they worked tirelessly to save the lives of three casualties,” he said.

“Their behaviour was in keeping with the high standards of the service.”