One person killed in Westlink crash

A man has died following a serious crash on one of Belfast's busiest roads. 

He was the driver of a car that was involved in the collision on the country bound lane of the Westlink close to Roden Street before three o'clock. 

A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said crews had attended but no patients were taken from the scene. 

The Westlink towards the M1 was closed for much of the evening rush hour. 

Motorists were gridlocked across the city as a result with emergency services struggling to cope. 

It's understood there were severe delays for Fire, Police and Ambulance crews attending calls. 

Translink also reported major delays on Bus and some Rail services. 

The Westlink has now re-opened. 

The Westlink has now reopened to traffic following fatal RTC earlier this afternoon.

— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) January 25, 201

Chief Inspector Norman Haslett said:“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their patience and understanding during the closure.

"We are aware of the difficulties and frustration caused by this closure and the major delays and inconvenience caused to commuters and families trying to get home.

“It is with reluctance that we close any road, particularly a busy thoroughfare such as the Westlink however, following any fatal road traffic collision police have an obligation to carry out a full and thorough investigation into the exact circumstances of the collision and the scene must be closed in order for that investigation to take place.”