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Omagh Bomb Inquiry: Video Shows Blast Aftermath
1 Oct
Summary
- Video footage capturing the Omagh bomb explosion and its immediate aftermath was presented.
- Royal Ulster Constabulary radio transmissions from the time of the bombing were played.
- Mobile phone calls between key individuals allegedly involved in the bombing were mapped.
The Omagh bomb inquiry recently reviewed video footage documenting the moment the device detonated and the subsequent chaos. This footage, captured at McIlroy's shoe shop, was presented with added Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) radio transmissions. While the original audio was deemed distressing, excerpts from the broadcast at 15:04 BST indicated the explosion had occurred and assistance was needed.
The inquiry heard that the bombing disrupted the RUC's communication systems. The first alert about the bombing came from an alarm monitoring company, followed by notifications to the Northern Ireland Fire Service and Ambulance Service shortly after 15:00 BST. Counsel to the Inquiry acknowledged the bravery of all civilians and emergency service personnel who responded.
Attention then shifted to the analysis of mobile phone activity linked to the bombing. Data analysts mapped numerous calls between individuals identified as "key individuals," including Seamus McKenna, Seamus Daly, Colm Murphy, and Liam Campbell. Evidence from An Garda Síochána indicated that phone data showed movements back into the Republic of Ireland, tracing a route through County Monaghan to Dundalk.
