Vehicle destroyed by fire after leaving road and crashing into grounds of Ballycastle Golf Club

The scene at Ballycastle Golf Club where a car crashed and overturned before being destroyed by fire. (Photo: McAuley Multimedia)

A vehicle was destroyed by fire after leaving the road and crashing into the grounds of Ballycastle Golf Club in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The dramatic incident happened on the Cushendall Road in Ballycastle, where the vehicle came to rest on its side after ploughing through boundary structures before it was engulfed in flames.

Photographs from the scene show extensive damage to both the vehicle and surrounding property, with debris scattered across the area following the impact.

Emergency services respond to early morning incident

Police received a report of a vehicle on fire on the Cushendall Road during the early hours of Sunday, July 5.

Officers attended the scene alongside crews from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who worked to extinguish the blaze.

By the time emergency services arrived, there were no occupants or other persons present with the vehicle.

The circumstances surrounding how the vehicle came to leave the road and end up within the grounds of Ballycastle Golf Club remain under investigation.

MLA highlights concerns over dangerous driving and illegal rallying

North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows described the incident as “so concerning” and said many people across the local community would have been shocked by the extent of the damage caused.

Mr Burrows welcomed the fact that no injuries had been reported but warned that the outcome could have been far more serious.

He also paid tribute to the emergency services involved in the response.

Mr Burrows said:

“Thankfully, no injuries have been reported, but this could easily have had a much more serious outcome. I want to pay tribute to the PSNI and the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service for their swift response in bringing the situation under control.”

The MLA also acknowledged the impact on Ballycastle Golf Club, whose grounds suffered significant damage as a result of the crash.

Describing the incident as “extremely reckless”, Mr Burrows said it highlighted the dangers associated with dangerous driving and antisocial behaviour on local roads.

He added that there is growing concern within the Ballycastle area around illegal rallying activity, warning that such behaviour puts lives at risk and has no place in the community.

With police investigations continuing, Mr Burrows encouraged anyone who witnessed the incident, saw the vehicle beforehand, or who may have CCTV, dash-cam or other footage from the Cushendall Road area during the early hours of Sunday morning to come forward.

He said even the smallest piece of information could assist investigators as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Appeal for witnesses and footage

Police are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward as enquiries continue.

Investigators are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the vehicle prior to the incident or who may have captured footage in the area.

This includes CCTV, dash-cam or other video footage which could assist officers in establishing the movements of the vehicle before it crashed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 30 05/07/26.

Information can also be submitted through the PSNI witness appeal portal at  the PSNI witness appeal form⁠.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online via  Crimestoppers UK⁠.

Police enquiries into the incident remain ongoing as officers work to establish exactly what happened in the hours before the vehicle was discovered ablaze.