The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has opened a formal inquiry into a close call between a passenger train and a heavy goods vehicle near York Street in north Belfast. The incident took place at around 4:40pm on March 20.

A lorry traveling northbound on the M2 motorway collided with another vehicle. The crash pushed the lorry through a roadside containment barrier that separates the motorway from the Belfast to Derry-Londonderry railway line. The vehicle stopped on the verge just clear of the tracks.

The 15:51 Larne Town to Belfast train approached the area shortly after. The driver applied emergency braking upon spotting the lorry and passed it at about 16mph with no contact.

The train reached York Street station, where the driver notified railway control. The HGV driver sustained injuries in the road collision. Damage affected the lorry, barriers, fencing, and railway infrastructure.

Emergency services including police, firefighters, and ambulance responded. Rail services between York Street and Whiteabbey halted due to the track obstruction. Delays affected passengers departing Belfast.

The RAIB probe will assess the crash sequence and the barrier's failure to keep the vehicle from the railway. It will review safety measures to prevent road vehicles from reaching rail lines in Northern Ireland.

The RAIB operates as an independent UK government body to investigate rail incidents and enhance safety. Its work runs separately from any rail industry or Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland inquiries. A report with safety recommendations will follow completion.