Tragedy in Slieve Gullion: Death of man during Storm Ali shocks local community | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Tragedy in Slieve Gullion: Death of man during Storm Ali shocks local community

The local community is in shock today after the death of a man during Storm Ali.

The utility worker died and another man was injured after a tree fell on them in Slieve Gullion Forest Park.

 

 

The tragedy happened on Wednesday afternoon at the entrance of the popular tourist attraction where the man was working.

Sinn Féin MLA Megan Fearon expressed shock and sadness at the news.

Speaking to Newry Times, she said, “The local community are shocked and saddened at the news that a man was tragically killed and another man injured after a tree fell on them at Slieve Gullion Forest Park today.

“I want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of this man at this difficult time. The thoughts of our entire community are with them.

“I also want to commend the emergency services for risking dangerous conditions to respond swiftly to this incident to help others.

“Storm Ali has already caused significant disruption and damage today as it makes its way across the island of Ireland.

 

 

“Many trees have fallen, over 250,000 thousand homes across Ireland have been left without power and key roads are closed.

“No one should underestimate the potential threat to life and property from the storm.

She added, “I want to remind people to stay safe and remain vigilant throughout the day and to only travel if necessary.”

SDLP MLA for Newry and Armagh Justin McNulty also expressed his sympathies to the family and colleagues of the man who lost his life.

“This is a terrible tragedy and my thoughts and prayers and those of the people in South Armagh are with his family and colleagues at this very difficult time.

 

 

“Storm Ali has caused a lot of destruction with trees down all over the constituency, roads are dangerous and there is a lot of debris about. 

He added, “I would appeal to everyone to please take care when out and about on our roads. Also please be mindful of those responding to the storm and the conditions they have to work in.”

A further multi-agency regional teleconference, facilitated by local government, was held this afternoon as departments, councils and utilities respond to the impacts from Storm Ali.

Around 60 roads have been closed and work is ongoing to remove obstructions, however road users should continue to take care driving as weather warnings remain in place until 10pm this evening.

 

 

Agencies will continue to monitor the situation and respond as necessary.

The latest information on road and school closures is available on www.nidirect.gov.uk/winds along with other advice and emergency numbers.

 

 

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Posted by on Sep 19 2018. 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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