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NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of burning a woman to death inside a New York City subway train used a shirt to fan the flames, a prosecutor said Tuesday at his arraignment on murder charges. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally, was not required to enter a plea and did not speak at the hearing in Brooklyn criminal court. Zapeta, wearing a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt, will remain jailed at the city's Rikers Island complex and is due back in court on Friday. His lawyer did not ask for bail. Zapeta is charged with two counts of murder, accusing him of intentionally killing the woman and killing her while committing arson. He is also charged with one count of arson. The top charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez called the attack a “gruesome and senseless act of violence” and said it would be “met with the most serious consequences.” The apparently random attack occurred Sunday morning on an F train that was stopped at the Coney Island station. The victim's identification is still pending. Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who may have been sleeping in the train, and set her clothing on fire with a lighter. Zapeta then fanned the flames with a shirt, engulfing her in fire, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said in court Tuesday. Zapeta then sat on a bench on the subway platform and watched, Rottenberg said. According to Rottenberg, Zapeta told detectives that he didn’t know what happened but identified himself in images of the attack. Zapeta's lawyer, public defender Andrew Friedman, did not speak to reporters after the arraignment. A message seeking comment was left for him. Video on social media appears to show some people looking on from the platform and at least one police officer walking by while the woman is on fire inside the train. NYPD Transit Chief Joseph Gulotta said Sunday that several officers responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be" while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. “Officers who were on patrol on an upper level of that station smelled and saw smoke and went to investigate. What they saw was a person standing inside the train car fully engulfed in flames,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. They eventually put the fire out, but “unfortunately, it was too late,” Tisch said, and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Zapeta was taken into custody Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after teenagers recognized him from images circulated by the police. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta was deported in 2018 but later reentered the U.S. illegally. The crime deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system, amplified by graphic video of the attack that ricocheted across social media. Overall, crime is down in the transit system compared to last year. Major felonies declined 6% between January and November compared to the same time period last year, according to data from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. But murders are up, with nine killings this year through November compared to five during the same period last year. There have also been several high-profile incidents, including one in September where police inadvertently shot two bystanders and a fellow officer when they opened fire on a man holding a knife in front of a train. Earlier this month, a Manhattan jury acquitted former Marine Daniel Penny in the chokehold death last year of an agitated subway rider. The case became a flashpoint in debates over safety, homelessness and mental illness on the system. Policing the subway is difficult, given the vast network of trains moving between 472 stations. Each stop contains multiple entry points and, in many stations, multiple floors and platforms. This story has been corrected to show that the name of Zapeta's lawyer is Andrew Friedman, not Ed Friedman.
Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death rowFormer Kentucky wide receiver Dane Key, one of the top offensive players in the transfer portal, announced on social media Tuesday that he will transfer to Nebraska. Key posted a photo of himself in a Nebraska uniform wearing the No. 6 he wore at Kentucky. The simple post contained the letters "GBR," short for "Go Big Red," with an emoji heart. Key led Kentucky this past season with 47 receptions for 715 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games as the Wildcats finished 4-8. In three seasons, the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder has 126 receptions for 1,870 yards and 14 TDs in 38 games (35 starts). Key has one season of eligibility remaining after he was a four-star recruit in the class of 2022. --Field Level MediaInter beats Como and closes gap at the top of Serie A while Bove back on Fiorentina sideline
Victims and families react as Biden spares the lives of 37 federal death row inmatesMoving into a new home is a stressful undertaking, but usually once you're in you can settle back and enjoy it. Unfortunately for one man in the Green Quarter, a mishap with ordering a new sofa from IKEA led to weeks of stress and lost sleep. George Hind, 25, was delighted to move into his own flat in the Green Quarter. As part of his move, civil servant George decided to replace the sofa in the flat with a new sofa bed so there was more space for guests. When he ordered the FRIHETEN sofa bed from IKEA on December 4, George paid £45 extra for premium delivery so he could have the furniture delivered on the Friday. But the parcel which arrived on Friday December 6 only contained one third of the sofa. Frustrated, George rang up the helpline to try and trace the missing two thirds of his sofa, but couldn't get any answers. Three days later on December 9, a second parcel arrived. Unfortunately for George, this only contained another third of the parcel which he had ordered and was still missing the main part which had all the bolts used to assemble the furniture. George said that he spoke to 10 different advisors, but was unable to get any consistent answers. "Every agent I've spoken to it's like they're with a different company with different policies," he told the Manchester Evening News. "It's like as soon as that phone call ends they don't care." George's old sofa which he wanted to switch out for a sofa bed (Image: George Hind) George also found that he was unable to trace the main bits of his parcel. He said: "There was another that came and that had the £1.50 tape measure, and that's the one that was tracked, not all the other parcels." To add to the problems, George was also left without the sofa as he had already gotten rid of his old one after it was collected on Thursday December 5. "On the Thursday I got rid of the old sofa, because I was expecting the next one the next day, " he said, "I gave it to someone." After ringing up every day, George said he was told on December 12 to ring back on December 16 to trace his order. When he did so, he was initially relieved that a third parcel had finally arrived, but his relief was shortlived. After part of the new sofa arrived (Image: George Hind) "I was finally going to get the last piece of the jigsaw, only to open the parcel and it was a part I've already got," he said. "It's quite a large parcel." He added: "I'm very frustrated and upset. It's been two weeks since I sent the first order. I was on a call with them for two hours. I can't do this anymore. "I've lost sleep over this. I've got a flatmate as well, so he's had no sofa." George ended up spending hours chasing up the sofa (Image: George Hind) His patience exhausted, George decided he simply wanted the large boxes out of his flat. But he ran into yet another problem. He said: "I told them I don't want to mess around with IKEA, when can you come and pick it up? He said New Year's Eve. The whole Christmas period my living room is IKEA's warehouse, their storage. "It's ruined my Christmas. I just don't know what to do at this point." After two weeks and just under eight hours on the phone to customer support, George confirmed that IKEA had finally been able to collect the parts and offered him a refund. To make matters worse, he found out that the part he was missing hadn't even been in stock. He said: "I’ve wasted the last two weeks and spent just under eight hours on the phone trying to resolve this, only to find out that the missing part was never in stock. If I’d continued listening to their advisers, I’d still be waiting for the unavailable part. "Altogether, I’ve had four separate IKEA van visits over the past two weeks: the original delivery, another third of the sofa, the same third I already had, and now the collection. It’s been an absolute shambles." IKEA confirmed in a statement to the M.E.N. that they will offer George a full refund, compensation, and apologised for his experience. An IKEA Spokesperson told the M.E.N.: “We always want all of our customers to be happy with the service they receive. "Whilst we strive to live up to their (and our) expectations, we recognise that this didn’t happen on this occasion and sincerely apologise for Mr Hind’s experience. We have since been in contact and are currently in the process of arranging a full refund and offering compensation for the inconvenience caused."South Sudan's President Salva Kiir held an urgent meeting of top security brass on Friday after a shootout at the home of powerful former spy chief Akol Koor, who was sacked almost two months ago amid rumours of a coup plot. Gunfire erupted on Thursday evening in the capital Juba, sparking concerns about the stability of the world's youngest country that is already plagued by power struggles, ethnic infighting and a deep economic malaise. The shooting around the home of Koor, who was fired by Kiir in early October and placed under house arrest, caused panic among local residents before it was contained after about an hour. Following the meeting, South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) spokesman Lul Ruai Koang said the incident took place after a "misunderstanding" between security forces attempting to relocate the ex-head of the National Security Services. Koang said Koor had now agreed to the relocation "with his dear wife, one bodyguard, and a cook" elsewhere in the city. He would be provided with additional army protection at his new residence, but Koang emphasised he was not under "their (army) detention." He said four people, two civilians and two soldiers, had been killed during the confrontation. The meeting convened by Kiir included the heads of defence, police, national security and military intelligence. A source in the presidency press unit said Koor was also present. The Sudans Post newspaper quoted a security official as saying the meeting had "resolved all outstanding tensions" and that the spy chief and his family "have been assured of their safety". In an alert to its staff on the ground on Thursday, the United Nations in South Sudan had said the shooting was linked to the arrest of the former spymaster and advised people to take cover. Koang told AFP that Koor "remains at his house", and denied claims circulating on social media that he had fled to the UN compound in Juba. There was a heavy deployment of military forces around his home in the Thongpiny district, an AFP correspondent said, but traffic has resumed and people were going about their daily business. Police spokesman John Kassara said the situation was now calm but that Thongpiny remained sealed off and residents "should remain vigilant". Koor became head of the feared National Security Services (NSS) after South Sudan's independence in 2011 but was sacked in October leading to widespread speculation he had been planning to overthrow Kiir. After his dismissal from the NSS, Koor was appointed governor of Warrap State, Kiir's home state, but this was abruptly revoked by the president before he took the oath of office. Koang said there had been a "misunderstanding" between two security services forces present at Koor's residence when a third unit arrived for the relocation. "That was the start of the armed confrontation that you heard," he said. Four people, two servicemen and two civilians, were killed in the incident, he said, and two civilians were wounded. Koor's sacking came just two weeks after Kiir again postponed by two years, to December 2026, the first elections in the nation's history. The delay has exasperated the international community, which has been pressing the country's leaders to complete a transitional process, including unifying rival armed forces and drawing up a constitution. The NSS was at the centre of controversy in July when parliament approved amendments to legislation allowing the agency to continue to arrest -- without a warrant -- anyone accused of offences against the state, raising alarm among rights groups and South Sudan's international partners. The country has struggled to recover from a brutal civil war between forces loyal to Kiir and his now deputy Riek Machar from 2013 to 2018 that killed about 400,000 people and drove millions from their homes. It remains one of the poorest and most corrupt countries on the planet and continues to be plagued by chronic instability and climate disasters. str-txw-rbu/giv
YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) — On a damp Wednesday night with temperatures dipping into the 30s, fans in sparsely filled stands bundled up to watch Buffalo beat Eastern Michigan 37-30 on gray turf. The lopsided game was not particularly notable, but it was played on one of the nights the Mid-American Conference has made its own: A weeknight. “A lot of the general public thinks we play all of our games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, not just some of them in November,” MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said in a telephone interview this week. “What it has done is help take what was a pretty darned good regional conference and has given it a national brand and made it a national conference.” When the conference has played football games on ESPN or ESPN2 over the last two seasons, the linear television audience has been 10 times larger than when conference schools meet on Saturdays and get lost in the shuffle when viewers have many more choices. The most-watched MAC game over the last two years was earlier this month on a Wednesday night when Northern Illinois won at Western Michigan and there were 441,600 viewers, a total that doesn’t include streaming that isn’t captured by Nielsen company. During the same span, the linear TV audience has been no larger than 46,100 to watch two MAC teams play on Saturdays. “Having the whole nation watching on Tuesday and Wednesday night is a huge deal for the MAC,” Eastern Michigan tight end Jere Getzinger said. “Everybody wants to watch football so if you put it on TV on a Tuesday or Wednesday, people are going to watch.” ESPN has carried midweek MAC football games since the start of the century. ESPN and the conference signed a 13-year extension a decade ago that extends their relationship through at least the 2026-27 season. The conference has made the most of the opportunities, using MACtion as a tag on social media for more than a decade and it has become a catchy marketing term for the Group of Five football programs that usually operate under the radar in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and New York. Attendance does tend to go down with weeknight games, keeping some students out of stadiums because they have class or homework and leading to adults staying away home because they have to work the next morning. “The tradeoff is the national exposure,” Buffalo coach Pete Lembo said. “You know November nights midweek the average fan is going to park on the couch, have a bowl of chips and salsa out in front, and watch the game from there." When the Bulls beat Ball State 51-48 in an overtime thriller on a Tuesday night earlier this month, the announced attendance was 12,708 and that appeared to be generous. There were many empty seats after halftime. “You watch the games on TV, the stadiums all look like this,” Buffalo fan Jeff Wojcicki said. “They are not packed, but it’s the only game on, and you know where to find it.” Sleep and practice schedules take a hit as well, creating another wave of challenges for students to attend class and coaches to prepare without the usual rhythm of preparing all week to play on Saturday. “Last week when we played at Ohio in Athens, we had a 4-four bus ride home and got home at about 3:30 a.m.,” Eastern Michigan center Broderick Roman said. “We still had to go to class and that was tough, but it's part of what you commit to as an athlete.” That happens a lot in November when the MAC shifts its unique schedule. During the first two weeks of the month, the conference had 10 games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays exclusively. This week, there were five games on Tuesday and Wednesday while only one was left in the traditional Saturday slot with Ball State hosting Bowling Green. Next week, Toledo plays at Akron and Kent State visits Buffalo on Tuesday night before the MAC schedule wraps up with games next Friday and Saturday to determine which teams will meet in the conference title game on Dec. 7 in Detroit. In all, MAC teams will end up playing about 75% of their games on a Saturday and the rest on November weeknights. When the Eagles wrapped up practice earlier this week, two days before they played the Bulls, tight end Jere Getzinger provided some insight into the effects of the scheduling quirk. “It's Monday, but for us it's like a Thursday,” he said. Bowling Green coach Scot Loeffler said he frankly has a hard time remembering what day it is when the schedule shift hits in November. “The entire week gets turned upside down,” Loeffler said. “It’s wild, but it’s great for the league because there’s two days a week this time of year that people around the country will watch MAC games.” AP freelance writer Jonah Bronstein contributed to this report. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballAbout 22,000 remain without power in Northern Ireland following Storm Darragh
Searching for some ASX 200 shares to buy for 2025? Look no further! Listed below are three shares that Bell Potter rates among its top picks for the year ahead. Here's what the broker is saying about them: ( ) This gaming technology company could be an ASX 200 share to buy according to the broker. It has a buy rating and $180.00 price target on its shares. It commented: We anticipate 8-11% annual growth rates over CY24-26, driven by further R&D investment that enhances game performance and results in market share gains across the North American premium leased market, global outright game sales markets, and online gaming markets. Additionally, we view the recent turmoil surrounding the Dragon Train preliminary injunction as an attractive entry point. ( ) Bell Potter also thinks that Smiggle and Peter Alexander owner Premier Investments could be an ASX 200 share to buy for 2025. Especially with the demerger of its non-core Apparel Brands expected to take place next month. It has a buy rating and $38.00 price target on its shares. Bell Potter said: With the divestment of the non-core Apparel Brands (AB) to Myer (MYR) in an all-script deal expected to be completed in Jan-25, we see PMV retaining the higher margin Smiggle and Peter Alexander (PA) earnings base post-demerger. We view the highly profitable retail business with domestic:offshore exposure of 70:30 (BPe) growing at ~13% (BPe, FY26e), ~26% stake in Breville Group (BRG), together with property assets valued at cost and a strong cash balance (~$327m, BPe), as worthy of a re-rate in the multiple. ( ) Finally, Bell Potter has named building products company Brickworks as an ASX 200 share to buy in 2025. It has a buy rating and $32.00 price target on its shares. The broker believes that the company is well-placed to benefit from interest rate cuts next year. It said: We see BKW as a high delta exposure to interest rate cuts and by extension a stock to own as we edge closer to the cycle pivot point (Bell Potter's base case for our first cut is 1H CY25). Specifically, we see a scenario unfolding where BKW could realise double digit mark-to-market NTA growth p.a. quite comfortably in coming years through positive revals (i.e. cap rate reversal), ongoing property development and rent reversion (BKW remains ~28% underrented and 50% short-WALE), as well as continued SOL outperformance. This is a growth story we think few ASX-200 industrials can currently match.BREAKING: Tinubu announces reduction in road transportation cost
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RIMOUSKI, Québec, Dec. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Puma Exploration Inc. (TSXV: PUMA, OTCQB: PUMXF) (the “Company” or “Puma”) announces that it has closed a non-brokered placement (the “FT Private Placement”) consisting of 6,685,000 flow-through units (the “FT Units”) at $0.10 per FT Unit for gross proceeds of C$668,500. Each FT Unit comprises one flow-through share and one common share purchase warrant (“Warrant”). Each Warrant is exercisable to purchase one common share of the Company at $0.15 per share valid for 24 months. The Warrants are subject to an acceleration clause that entitles the Company to provide notice (the "Acceleration Notice") to holders that they will expire 30 days from the date the Company delivers the Acceleration Notice. The Company can only provide the Acceleration Notice if the closing price of the Company's Common Shares on the TSXV is equal to or greater than $0.25 for 30 consecutive trading days. The Acceleration Notice can be provided at any time after the statutory hold period and before the expiry date of the warrants. All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement are subject to a hold period of four months and one day pursuant to applicable securities laws. The net proceeds of the FT units will be used to incur eligible Canadian exploration expenses and flow-through mining expenditures, as defined under the Income Tax Act (Canada), that will be renounced in favour of the purchasers, with an effective date of no later than Dec. 31, 2025. The funds will advance the exploration of the newly acquired McKenzie Gold Project and other company assets in northern New Brunswick. In connection with the closing of the private placement offerings, the company paid aggregate cash finder's fees of $39,445 and issued 394,450 non-transferable finder warrants. The finder warrants have the same terms than the warrants included in the units and exercisable at $0.15 per common share. Certain directors and other insiders of the Company participated in the Private Placement. They subscribed for 350,000 FT Units for an aggregate price of $35,000, an amount no more than the maximum amount permissible under applicable securities laws and regulatory rules. Participation by the directors and other insiders in the Private Placement is considered a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61- 101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is exempt from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation and minority shareholder approval in connection with the insiders' participation in the Private Placement in reliance on sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in that the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of any securities issued under the Private Placement (and the consideration paid to the Company therefor) to interested parties (as defined under MI 61-101) did not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101). Qualified Person The content of this press release was prepared by Marcel Robillard, President, who supervised the preparation of the information that forms part of this news release. About Puma’s Assets in New Brunswick Puma has accumulated an impressive portfolio of prospective gold landholdings strategically located close to roads and infrastructure in Northern New Brunswick - the Williams Brook Project and the new McKenzie Gold Project. Both are located near the Rocky Brook Millstream Fault (“RBMF”), a major regional structure formed during the Appalachian Orogeny and a significant control for gold deposition in the region. Puma’s work to date has focused on the Williams Brook property, but prospecting and surface exploration work on its other properties have confirmed their potential for significant gold mineralization. About Puma Exploration Puma Exploration is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on finding and growing a pipeline of precious metals projects in New Brunswick, near Canada's Famous Bathurst Mining Camp. Puma has a long history in Northern New Brunswick, having worked on regional projects for over 15 years. Puma’s successful exploration methodology, which combines old prospecting methods with detailed trenching and up-to-date technology such as Artificial Intelligence, has been instrumental in facilitating an understanding of the region's geology and associated mineralized systems. Armed with geophysical surveys, geochemical data and consultants’ expertise, Puma has developed a perfect low-cost exploration tool to discover gold at shallow depths and maximize drilling results. The Company is committed to its DEAR business model of D iscovery, E xploration, A cquisition and R oyalties to generate maximum value for shareholders with low share dilution. Connect with us on Facebook / X / LinkedIn . Visit www.explorationpuma.com for more information or contact: Marcel Robillard , President and CEO. (418) 750-8510; president@explorationpuma.com Mia Boiridy , Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Development. (250) 575-3305; mboiridy@explorationpuma.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve several known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Puma to be materially different from actual future results and achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made, except as required by law. Puma undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. The quarterly and annual reports and the documents submitted to the securities administration describe these risks and uncertainties.
The year 2024 has become a real race for the automotive industry. The growing influence of Chinese manufacturers, new customs barriers, and economic difficulties have become major challenges for automotive companies around the world. Nevertheless, there are some stunning models on the market, both electric and gasoline, that demonstrate technological advances and new approaches to design and comfort. The Telegraph experts have presented the top ten best cars of 2024, which have received rave reviews. Renault 5 One of the most striking novelties of the year was the electric Renault 5. The revival of this classic model has become a real treat for car enthusiasts. The model combines modern technology with the spirit of the original Renault 5, which won hearts in the 70s and 80s. Driving pleasure, stylish design, and affordable prices (from £22,995) make this car a popular choice among fans of electric models. Aston Martin Vantage Aston Martin has presented one of the best models of the brand this year. Although the company is experiencing financial difficulties, the car itself impresses with its excellent performance: a powerful AMG-Mercedes V8 engine and excellent handling make this car an ideal choice for those who want to combine elegance with high technical performance. Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce This year, Alfa Romeo introduced the Junior Veloce, which has become a benchmark for electric crossovers. Thanks to its elegant appearance and excellent technical characteristics, this car quickly gained popularity. It has 204 hp and delivers stunning dynamics that enhance the driving experience. Porsche Macan 4 Electric The Porsche Macan 4 Electric is another breakthrough among electric crossovers. With up to 381 hp and excellent handling, this car offers drivers not only environmental friendliness but also a real driving pleasure. This proves that even in the world of electric cars, it is possible to maintain uniqueness and drive. Toyota Prius Toyota Prius, the classic hybrid, has received significant updates this year. The fifth generation of the model impresses with its new design and improved dynamics. Aimed at eco-friendly drivers, the Prius combines high efficiency with comfort on the road, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a sustainable yet stylish car. Hyundai Ioniq 5 N The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is an electric SUV that offers a unique combination of power and technology. Impressive dynamics and fake engine noise create the feeling of a real gasoline car, making the Ioniq 5 N extremely exciting for drivers who want to reach high speeds. Bentley Continental GT The newest version of the Bentley Continental GT features a hybrid powertrain that significantly improves its performance and comfort. Drivers can enjoy the silence of the electric drive or enjoy the sound of the V8 engine, which adds even more elegance to the car. Mazda MX-5 The Mazda MX-5 continues to amaze drivers with its lightness and agility. The 2024 update makes this car even more enjoyable to drive. Although it does not have the power comparable to large SUVs, its lightness and drive give a unique pleasure from every trip. Porsche Cayenne S The Porsche Cayenne S is a car that combines a powerful V8 engine with incredible performance. This car can satisfy even the most demanding drivers, offering an excellent combination of style, engine sound, and handling. The Cayenne S has become a great example of how a gasoline car can combine traditional values with modern requirements. Hyundai Kona Electric This is an electric crossover that is suitable for family use. Its ability to provide a comfortable and carefree ride makes it an ideal choice for those who want to switch to an electric model without giving up their daily needs. The absence of unnecessary technological "chips" and a user-friendly interface make this car accessible to a wide audience. Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.Nigerian agency 'failed completely' to clean up oil damage despite funding, leaked files say
More than 20,000 customers remain without power across Northern Ireland following Storm Darragh . NIE Networks have warned it may take days for power to be restored to all customers in the region following damage caused by gusts of up to 70mph. At the peak, some 48,000 were without power. NIE Networks said by 9pm on Saturday, about 22,000 remained without power. A spokesperson said it is anticipated that a small number will have power restored overnight. “At this stage, NIE Networks estimate that it may be a number of days before they can reconnect all those customers impacted,” they said. Trains and some bus services and flights were cancelled across Saturday as the storm battered Northern Ireland. A bus was involved in a road crash in Co Antrim in the early hours of Saturday while Stena Line ferry services from Belfast to Cairnryan in Scotland were cancelled. A ferry remained off the coast of Co Antrim on Saturday, believed to have been sheltering from the weather conditions. A major power station reported damage to a chimney from the storm, adding it had halted electricity generation temporarily while the damage was assessed and addressed. EP Ballylumford station manager Tim McCullough said: “We are fully committed to ensuring the safe restoration of operations. “The safety of our staff and the integrity of our equipment are our top priorities, and we are working closely with all necessary parties to minimise any disruption to electricity supply.” The Department for Infrastructure said multi-agency partners have been meeting in response to the Met Office’s amber weather warning for wind which remained in place until 9pm. In a statement, the Stormont department urged people to make only essential travel because road conditions were challenging. They said disruption to bus and train services as well as some flights was continuing and the Strangford ferry has been suspended until further notice. “Translink have taken steps to mitigate against the effects of Storm Darragh. Additional buses are on standby. Additional support and teams are also on standby, including chainsaw crews, to assist with any fallen debris blocking the railway,” a department spokesman said. “If roads are blocked, it may be necessary to divert Ulsterbus or Goldliner services. “ Safety is Translink’s number one priority. All passengers should check the Translink Journey Planner or social media channels in advance of travel and to allow extra time for their journeys. “Department for Infrastructure staff have been working through the night to respond to approximately 900 incidents which are mainly debris on the roads, fallen trees and branches and flooding.” A Translink spokesperson said a driver on the bus involved in the collision in Co Antrim had been the only person on board at the time and was taken to hospital for treatment. “We can confirm that the driver has since been discharged from hospital,” they said. “Our immediate priority is the welfare of our colleague, and we are providing support to them and their family. An internal investigation is under way, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to establish the circumstances of the incident.” A number of roads, including Castle Street in Belfast city centre, were closed on Saturday morning while clean-up work was carried out. Some events in Northern Ireland, including three Irish League football clashes and a planned vigil in Belfast for the women of Afghanistan have been called off, while the Apprentice Boys of Derry shutting of the gates event in Londonderry was set to go ahead. The Belfast Christmas Market was not expected to open, with organisers saying they need to ensure visitors and traders are kept safe. In the Republic of Ireland, almost 400,000 customers are without power. A spokesperson for NIE Networks said community assistance centres will be opened across Northern Ireland on Sunday to offer assistance to those still without power. A number of leisure centres in Craigavon, Lisburn, Newtownards, Ballymena, Cookstown, Kilkeel and Fermanagh will be open from 2-4pm on Sunday. Edel Creery, NIE Networks Customer and Market Services Director, said: “With the amber weather warning in place until 9pm tonight (Saturday) outages have continued to be reported throughout the day. “Due to the widespread damage we anticipate it could be a number of days before power is successfully restored to all customers impacted. We would ask customers to bear with us as our teams work to restore power. “Additionally, we would ask members of the public to check in on relatives, friends and neighbours who may require further support and also ensure that their power cut has been reported.” NIE Networks is also reminding the public to stay clear of any damaged electricity equipment, keep children and animals away and to report any incidents of damage immediately to the NIE Networks Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643.