Full Breakdown
Bus Hijacking on Beltany Road, Omagh
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Core Event
On September 12, 2026, a man in his 30s hijacked a Goldliner coach—identified as the 273 Derry Express—at knifepoint in the Beltany Road area of Omagh, County Tyrone. Passengers were allowed to disembark, but the driver was kept on board while the hijacker drove the bus toward Newtownstewart.
Pursuit and Arrest
Police received the initial report shortly before 1 p.m. and launched a pursuit along the A5, passing through Victoria Bridge, Sion Mills and the Head of the Town area of Strabane. Armed officers, including a specialist firearms team, stopped the vehicle in the Fountain Street district of Strabane. The suspect was removed from the bus and taken into police custody, where he remains.
Injuries and Property Damage
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that one man was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the incident. The PSNI also reported multiple collisions involving the stolen bus, a police car and other vehicles, resulting in damage to property along the route.
Police Appeal for Information
Detective Inspector Winters of the PSNI appealed for anyone who was involved in a collision or who captured footage of the events to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 624 of 12/09/26. The appeal also included a request for anonymous tips via Crimestoppers.
Local Impact
Translink confirmed that the Goldliner coach was operating on Beltany Road at the time of the hijacking. In response, the Fountain Street and Drumallagh areas of Strabane were closed to the public, and residents were advised to avoid the vicinity while police continued their investigation.