Child dies in accident

Child dies in accident

31 July 2013

AN investigation is underway into the death of a child on a Castlewellan farm yesterday.

The 10 year-old boy, understood to be from the Rathfriland Road area, died in an accident involving a tractor.

An ambulance and rapid response vehicle were called to the farm shortly before 2.30pm and attempts were made to resuscitate the boy as he was airlifted to Craigavon Area Hospital.

The boy has yet to be named by police.

Police said yesterday evening that the Health and Safety Executive (HSENI) had been informed and were taking the lead in the investigation.

A spokesman for the HSENI said: “HSENI is investigating the death of a 10 year old boy on a County Down farm. Our deepest sympathies are with the family at this most difficult time.”

Local SDLP councillor Eamonn O’Neill offered his condolences to the boy’s family.

“I am so shocked and saddened to hear this news,” he said. “I am thinking of the family and offering them my prayers and support.”

Sinn Fein councillor Stephen Burns said he understood the incident to have occurred in the Leitrim area outside Castlewellan.

“There haven’t been any recent farm deaths in this area,” he said. “This is a terrible tragedy for this boy’s family. My condolences to them at this dreadful time.”