31/07/2013

10-Year-Old Boy Dies In Farm Accident

A 10-year-old boy has died in an accident at a farm near Castlewellan in County Down.

The incident occurred yesterday afternoon. Ambulances were called to the Rathfriland Road area at about 14:30.

It has been reported the boy was working on farm machinery when the accident happened. He has been named as Aaron Macauley.

A Tweet yesterday by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said: "2 NIAS Paramedics accompanied 10 year old boy as he was airlifted to craigavon hospital following serious farm accident near castlewellan".

Aaron later died in hospital.

The Health and Safety Executive is to undertake an investigation into the incident.

Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson said: "I cannot begin to imagine the grief his family are experiencing and I wish to extend my most sincere sympathies to them at this heart-breaking time.

"In this past year in Northern Ireland, deaths following farming accidents have tragically been too frequent. I strongly plead with everyone to take great care whilst on a farm."

Alliance Newcastle Councillor Patrick Clarke said: "This is an absolute tragedy that has shocked the local community.

"I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to his family. This must be an extremely difficult time for them. There are no words to describe the pain they must be feeling after their loss.

"This accident has highlighted the dangers that are present on farms and has shown why we must do more to ensure greater safety precautions are taken at all times."

(IT/CD)

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