Irish Echo News

A young Derryman remains in a serious but stable condition after being struck by a train  in the Blue Mountains, 75kms west of Sydney.

Ryan Gilloway, 23, from Drumsurn near Limavady Co Derry, was hit by a west-bound coal train 80 metres from Springwood station at 12.50am on Sunday, August 30.

According to NSW Police, Mr Gilloway (pictured) had been captured on CCTV cameras at Springwood Station wandering onto the tracks alone.

SERIOUS BUT STABLE: Derryman Ryan Gilloway was hit by a train west of Sydney but continues to fight fro his life in Nepean Hospital.

A spokeswoman said that he “may have been intoxicated” and police are satisfied that this was not a ‘self-harm’ incident.

The train driver raised the alarm and Mr Gilloway was air-lifted to Nepean Hospital.

Police described his injuries as “horrific”.

“There was little expectation that he could survive,” a spokeswoman said.

It is understood the 23-year-old, who lived in Coogee, suffered extensive internal injuries and broken bones.

Originally, Mr Gilloway’s condition was described as “critical” but on Monday a hospital spokeswoman said he was “serious but stable”.

According to the Belfast Telegraph, the injured man’s mother Jean and father Paddy flew to Australia to be at their son’s bedside.

Mr Gilloway recently returned to Australia to work after spending several weeks at home with his parents.

A former member of Saint Mathew’s GAC, Drumsurn, Mr Gilloway is a well-known figure in the area.

Friends have been leaving goodwill messages on Mr Gilloway’s Bebo webpage.

Wee LJ O’Kane wrote: “Get better soon Ryan, still thinking on u and praying for ya.”

Stacey McLean wrote: “Can’t believe wots happened mad man, thinking of you..homestead good times.”

Stacey Faulkner added: “Hope ya have a speeedy recovery, prayin for ya big man!!”

Leona O’Connor wrote: “We’re all thinkin of u, get well soon.”

Grace Johnston added: “Hope u get better soon ryan and back to ur old self, thinkin of u and prayin for u.”

by Billy Cantwell