Barcroft family injured in gas explosion | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Barcroft family injured in gas explosion

A family in Barcroft with four young children were ‘lucky’ to escape serious injuries following a gas explosion at their home.

Five occupants, including a 34-year-old woman and four children aged between 6 and 12, were taken to hospital with burns.

 

 

Speaking to Newry Times, the Chairperson of Barcroft Community Association Darren Thompson, who is a neighbour of the family said, “It appears there was a small explosion on a gas cooker which caused damage to the kitchen area.

“A neighbour contacted the emergency services and the Fire Service were at the scene within minutes.

 

 

He continued, “Members of the Fire Crew told me that exploding gas appliances often lead to very serious injuries and severe structural damage.

“Whilst the young mother and her 4 children received burns they were lucky to escape any life-threatening injuries.

“Two fire brigades with a dozen officers attended the scene. The ambulance service was unable to get to the scene on time and the Fire Service took the injured to nearby Daisy Hill Hospital.

 

 

“Two of the children were later taken to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children whilst their mother was transferred to the Ulster Hospital for treatment to her hands.

Mr Thompson added, “The Fire Service deserve the highest praise for their speedy reaction and professionalism. The officers in attendance had the situation under control quickly. Barcroft Community Association wish the family a speedy recovery.”

 

 

Newry, Mourne & Down Councillor Liz Kimmins confirmed that concerns have been raised in relation to the time taken for an ambulance to attend the scene of last nights gas explosion incident.

“There are reports that the Ambulance did not appear until nearly an hour after the Fire Service had arrived at the scene at Barcroft. By that time those injured had been taken to hospital.

 

 

“This has caused great concern as delays can have serious consequences,” said the local Sinn Féin Councillor.

Echoing his colleagues concerns Newry & Armagh MP Mickey Brady stated, “I have contacted the Ambulance Service (NIAS) for their response to this worrying claim. Communities should not have to experience long and dangerous delays waiting for ambulances.”

 

 

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=62471

Posted by on Nov 21 2017. Filed under Community, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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