POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have confirmed that three men died this evening following an incident at a slurry tank near Hillsborough.
U.TV reports that a woman was also injured at the County Down farm after falling into the slurry tank.
According to BBC News, the deceased are a father and his two sons. The injured woman, also believed to be another family member, is being treated for fume inhalation at Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Despite efforts by Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue service, two men died at the scene shortly after 6.15pm today, while the third died later from his injuries at Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn. All four were pulled from the tank by rescue teams.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union said the deaths have shocked the farming community.
President Harry Sinclair said, “On behalf of all our members, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family involved.
“This news has shocked the farming community. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the three men who have so tragically lost their lives. We understand that a fourth member of the family has been hospitalised and we pray that they will make a full recovery”.
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson also tweeted that he was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy. “My thoughts and prayers are with family at this time of devastation,” he added.
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