25/03/2002

House fire tragedy claims second child’s life

An eight-year-old girl has died following a fire in County Antrim which has already tragically claimed the life of her 12-year-old sister.

Catherine O’Boyle died in hospital on Monday, a day after her sister Ann Marie, was killed in the blaze at an isolated farmhouse on Cargin Road near Toomebridge.

Catherine and Ann Marie’s three-year-old sister and a 13-year-old friend, remain critically ill.

Six children - five members of the one family and a friend - were in the house when the blaze erupted in the living room at about lunchtime on Sunday.

One of the children was able to raise the alarm using a mobile phone.

It is thought that 17-year-old James O'Boyle had lit the fire and went out to get coal but when he returned the living room and furniture was ablaze.

The Fire Brigade's District Commander, Tommy Dowds, said when fire crews arrived four children had already been taken out of the house.

Ann-Marie was pronounced dead shortly after being admitted to Antrim Area Hospital.

The family of seven had just moved into the farmhouse before Christmas. They had previously been living in a mobile home while their house was under construction.

(AMcE)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

17 July 2001
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
05 October 2007
Fatal House Fire In Newtownards
A woman in her 30s has died in a fire at a house in Newtownards, Co. Down. The fire occurred at a house in Ilex Avenue at around 5.30pm and the woman is reported to have died at the scene. An investigation into the circumstances of the death is being conducted by police who have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
14 April 2011
Laura Marling Headlines Open House Festival
The organisers of the Open House Festival have announced that Laura Marling, Brits and NME award-winning English folk artist, is to headline the Custom House Square gig on Friday 24th June.
17 September 2014
Community Fire Station Opens In Omagh
Public Safety Minister Edwin Poots has opened a new £4.4m Community Fire Station in Omagh, County Tyrone. The new Community Fire Station & District Headquarters on the Killybrack Road includes onsite facilities for firefighter training and transport and engineering workshops.
02 April 2012
NI's Chief Fire Officer Announces His Retirement
The Chief Fire Officer for Northern Ireland, Peter Craig, has announced that he is to retire after over 35 years of distinguished Service. Peter Craig is one of the longest serving officers in Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and was appointed as Chief Fire Officer in February 2011, having been the acting Chief from July 2010.