The Dunmurry train bombing was a premature detonation of a Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) incendiary bomb aboard a Ballymena to Belfast passenger train service on 17 January 1980, near Dunmurry, Northern Ireland.
Details
The explosion occurred shortly before 4:55 p.m. on a Northern Ireland Railways afternoon service travelling from Ballymena railway station to Belfast Central railway station. As the train left Dunmurry station and entered the outskirts of Belfast, a large fireball erupted in the rear carriage, bringing the train to a standstill. The blast engulfed the carriage in flames, killing three people and injuring five others. One firefighter was also treated for minor injuries.
Casualties
The three people killed were:
- Mark Cochrane, a 17-year-old Protestant student from Finaghy.
- Max Olorunda, a 35-year-old accountant and recent immigrant from Lagos, Nigeria, who was the first African civilian and only Nigerian killed during the Troubles. He was survived by his wife and three daughters.
- Kevin Delaney, a 26-year-old IRA member, father of one with a pregnant wife.
The most seriously injured survivor was Patrick Joseph Flynn, an IRA member who was transporting the bombs. He suffered severe burns to his face, torso, and legs.
Cause
The IRA had placed incendiary bombs on the train, consisting of a 5 lb (approx. 2.3 kg) block of explosives attached to a petrol can with a simple time-delay device. The intention was for the bombs to detonate after the train had been emptied later that evening. According to later testimony, Kevin Delaney armed the first bomb and placed it beside him. As he picked up and armed a second device, the first bomb suddenly detonated for reasons that remain unknown. Delaney was killed instantly, and Flynn was forced to leap from the train in flames.
IRA Statement
The IRA issued a statement acknowledging responsibility, terming the event a "bombing tragedy." It stated that the explosion occurred prematurely and that civilians were not the intended target. The organisation expressed sorrow and offered "dearest and heartfelt sympathy" to the bereaved families.
Prosecution
Patrick Joseph Flynn was tried at Belfast Crown Court for double manslaughter and possession of explosives. The judge took into account the severe burns and disfigurement Flynn had suffered. He was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment for each manslaughter and seven years for explosives offences, to be served concurrently.
Additional Devices
Following the explosion, two similar devices were discovered on other trains—at York Road railway station in Belfast and at Greenisland railway station. Both were safely removed and control-detonated.
