Fresh appeal for information about attack on bus which claimed life of woman

By Rebecca Black, Press Association

A fresh appeal for information has been made about an attack on a bus in Armagh in 1972 which claimed the life of a woman described as much-loved and missed by her family.

Margaret Johnston, known as Ruby, 38, received significant burn injuries when petrol bombs were thrown at the Ulsterbus she was travelling home from work on along Friary Street on Saturday afternoon, February 5th, 1972.

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) has made an appeal for witnesses to the incident as part of its investigation into Johnston’s death.

It said Johnston boarded the bus on the number 56 Newtownhamilton route at around 4:20pm and sat in the first front seat opposite the driver.

At around 4:30pm the bus travelled along the Friary Road and slowed at the junction with Lower Irish Street when it came under attack from a crowd of approximately 60 who had gathered.

The ICRIR said the crowd began to throw stones at the bus, smashing windows, as well as two petrol bombs, one of which smashed through the front window and exploded in the aisle, and the second was also thrown through the front window where Johnston and it exploded, engulfing her in flames.

She is described as having sustained significant injuries at the time of the incident and died at Armagh City Hospital on March 28th, 1972.

Assistant commissioner Amanda Logan urged anyone with information to come forward, adding Johnston’s family has been living with questions for more than 50 years.

“Ruby was deeply loved and cherished by her family,” she said.

“Her tragic death was devastating to those who were close to her and the impact remains felt to this day.

“Each time the commission has issued a witness appeal we have uncovered new information which has helped our investigations.

“If you saw the attack in which Ruby suffered the injuries which led to her death, or know anything related to it, I encourage you to come forward to the commission and share what you know. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

She went on: “Ruby’s family have lived with questions for over 50 years. It is time that they received the truth.”

The witness appeal is set to include the distribution of posters and an organised leaflet drop in the areas relating to the investigation.