Two drivers escaped serious injury in separate incidents at the same bend on the Newtownards to Portaferry road within days of each other, bringing the total number of crashes at that spot to six in two weeks, local residents say.

On Thursday, a young mother and her child were in a car that left the road between Finlay’s Road and Cunningburn Road and fell approximately 12 feet onto the beach. The vehicle landed on its wheels. Both occupants sustained minor injuries. Two workmen passing the scene used ladders to reach the car and assist before emergency services arrived. The PSNI, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance Service, and Coastguard teams from Portaferry and Bangor attended. The road was closed during the rescue operation.

The following morning, around 10.30am, a second car left the road at the same corner. It came to rest on its roof on the beach. The female driver was able to exit the vehicle and did not suffer serious injuries. A similar multi-agency emergency response was activated.

In both crashes the tide was out. Local people report that the corner has now seen six collisions in a fortnight.

Strangford MP Jim Shannon described the stretch as winding, with multiple blind bends and hills that limit visibility. He said coastal conditions and adverse weather can further reduce visibility and grip. He urged the Department for Infrastructure to introduce more warning signs and chevron boards at hazardous bends, and to address excessive speeds. Roads Service officials are currently examining possible safety improvements.

Councillor Joe Boyle has written to Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins requesting a site meeting with departmental officials. He noted that all six recent incidents occurred when the tide was out and that the vehicles had a dry landing. He warned that a crash at high tide could have a different outcome.

Boyle recalled a personal experience in which his wife’s vehicle, travelling to Newtownards, went into a broadside slide on the same bend. He stated that speed was not a factor and questioned whether the road surface could be contributing to the number of vehicles skidding and leaving the carriageway.

Police enquiries into both latest incidents are continuing. Officers have asked any witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage to contact them.