Write a commentA family in Barcroft with four young children were ‘lucky’ to escape serious injuries following a gas explosion at their home yesterday and Darren Thompson, Chairperson of the Barcroft Community Association has praised the fire crews who attended the incident.
Five occupants including a 34-year-old woman and four children aged between 6 and 12 were taken to hospital with burns. The Chairperson of Barcroft Community Association Darren Thompson who is a neighbour of the family said “It appears there was a small explosion on a gas cooker which caused damage to the kitchen area, a neighbour contacted the emergency services and the Fire Service were at the scene within minutes. Members of the Fire Crew told me that exploding Gas appliances often lead to very serious injuries and severe structural damage. Whilst the young mother and her 4 children received burns they were ‘lucky’ to escape any life-threatening injuries."
Mr Thompson added “Two fire brigades with a dozen officers attended the scene. The ambulance service was unable to get to the scene on time and the Fire Service took the injured to nearby Daisy Hill Hospital. Two of the children were later taken to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children whilst their mother was transferred to the Ulster Hospital for treatment to her hands. The Fire Service deserve the highest praise for their speedy reaction and professionalism. The officers in attendance had the situation under control quickly. Barcroft Community Association wish the family a speedy recovery.”
Newry City Cllr Liz Kimmins spoke of her concern at the incident. "There is concern and shock amongst our local community at the news of this incident. We await the results of the investigation into the exact cause. We hope and pray that all injured will make a full recovery and rest assured the community is here to support the family in any practical way we can. I want to thank the quick response of local people and the emergency services who are on the scene dealing with the incident."
