Translink Apologizes: Mechanical Fault on Belfast-Dublin Enterprise Train Causes Panic

Translink has apologized for a mechanical issue on the Belfast to Dublin Enterprise train. Smoke was seen rising in the carriages, causing alarm among passengers.

The train left Belfast at 7am and picked up passengers in Newry about 50 minutes later. However, shortly after departing Newry, some passengers began to notice problems in the rear carriages. One passenger described a strong, acrid smell, similar to burning clutch fumes. As smoke appeared, a Translink staff member hurried to the front of the train, prompting panic among the passengers.

A fellow traveler activated the emergency stop button. The situation grew tense as passengers felt confused and received no guidance from the staff. The train stopped near the border, and passengers waited for over an hour before being informed that the train would continue to Dundalk. There, they would transfer to another train to complete their journey.

Eventually, the train arrived at Dublin’s Connolly Station, two hours later than planned. One passenger expressed relief at reaching Dublin but found the incident frightening. They stated they would prefer to deal with Dublin’s rush hour traffic rather than undergo that experience again.

Translink reported the train encountered a mechanical fault just outside Newry. They emphasized that safety is their top priority and conducted full safety checks before allowing the train to continue. They expressed regret for the inconvenience to their passengers.