It was a quiet Wednesday evening in Ballymena, County Antrim, when tragedy struck at the Moorfields Road junction of the Tully Road. The date was September 10, 2025, and the clock had just passed 7:05pm BST. For many, it was just another midweek night, but for Robert Russell Bamber—known to friends and family as Roy—it would be his last drive through the familiar streets of his hometown.
Mr. Bamber, aged 80 and a well-known figure in the Ballymena area, was behind the wheel of his blue Toyota Aygo. As he approached the junction, two other vehicles—a white Citroën Berlingo and a white Audi A3—were also on the road. In a matter of moments, the three vehicles collided, leaving a scene of chaos and concern. Emergency services rushed to the site, responding to calls for help and the urgent need for medical attention.
According to statements from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Mr. Bamber was quickly transported to hospital with injuries sustained in the crash. For nine days, he fought for his life under the care of medical professionals, but on Friday, September 19, 2025, he sadly passed away from his injuries. The news sent ripples through the Ballymena community, where Roy was remembered with affection and respect.
Inspector Cherith Adair of the PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit spoke to the press, confirming the details of the incident. She stated, “Shortly after 7.05pm on Wednesday, 10th September it was reported a blue Toyota Aygo, a white Citroën Berlingo and a white Audi A3 were involved in a collision at the Moorfields Road, Ballymena at the junction of the Tully Road. Mr Bamber, who was driving the Toyota Aygo, was taken to hospital for his injuries, but sadly passed away on Friday, 19th September.”
While police have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances that led to the crash, Inspector Adair emphasized the continuing nature of the investigation. She made a direct appeal to the public, urging anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has relevant CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward. “Enquiries are continuing, and anyone who witnessed the collision or has CCTV or other footage which could assist is asked to contact Collision Investigation Unit detectives via 101 quoting reference number 1396 10/09/25,” she said.
The intersection where the accident occurred—Moorfields Road and Tully Road—is a well-traveled junction in Ballymena, often busy in the early evening as residents make their way home or run errands. While the specifics of the crash remain under investigation, the incident has reignited conversations about road safety in the area, especially for elderly drivers and at high-traffic intersections.
Local residents have expressed shock and sadness at the news of Mr. Bamber’s passing. Many remember him as a friendly face in the community, someone who had lived in Ballymena for many years. His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from neighbors and friends, who have described him as kind-hearted and always willing to lend a hand. For a town that values its close-knit sense of community, the loss is deeply felt.
As reported by BBC and other local media, the three vehicles involved—a blue Toyota Aygo, a white Citroën Berlingo, and a white Audi A3—were all damaged in the collision. Details regarding the conditions of the other drivers or passengers have not been made public, and police have not indicated whether any arrests have been made or charges filed in connection with the crash. The focus remains on gathering evidence and understanding exactly what happened in those critical moments after 7pm on September 10.
While car accidents are, unfortunately, not uncommon on Northern Ireland’s roads, fatal collisions involving elderly drivers often lead to renewed scrutiny of road conditions and driving standards. According to government statistics, older adults can be more vulnerable in serious crashes due to age-related changes in health and reaction times. However, age alone is rarely the sole factor in such incidents. Weather, road layout, visibility, and the actions of all drivers involved typically play a role.
For Ballymena, this latest tragedy is a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance behind the wheel and the need for ongoing improvements to road safety infrastructure. Community leaders and local officials have previously called for upgrades to signage and lighting at busy intersections, including the Moorfields Road junction, though no specific plans have been announced in response to this crash as of yet.
Inspector Adair’s appeal for information underscores the vital role the public can play in helping authorities piece together the events leading up to serious accidents. In recent years, the proliferation of dashcams and home security cameras has provided investigators with valuable evidence, sometimes making the difference between an unsolved case and a clear understanding of responsibility. “Anyone who witnessed the collision or has CCTV or other footage which could assist is asked to contact Collision Investigation Unit detectives via 101 quoting reference number 1396 10/09/25,” Inspector Adair reiterated, hoping that someone’s memory or recording might shed new light on the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, Mr. Bamber’s family is left to mourn the loss of a beloved father, grandfather, and friend. The wider Ballymena community, too, is pausing to reflect on the fragility of life and the ways in which an ordinary evening can be transformed by sudden, unforeseeable events. For now, the focus remains on supporting those affected, ensuring that the facts are fully established, and learning any lessons that might prevent similar tragedies in the future.
While the days and weeks ahead will bring more questions—and, hopefully, more answers—one thing is clear: Robert Russell Bamber’s passing has left a mark on Ballymena, prompting sorrow, reflection, and a renewed call for road safety awareness.
