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Tributes to Limavady binman and part-time fireman John Winton who died after being struck by bin lorry

Part-time fireman John Winton died after being struck by the bin lorry he was working on in Limavady, Co Derry, yesterday
Part-time fireman John Winton died after being struck by the bin lorry he was working on in Limavady, Co Derry, yesterday Part-time fireman John Winton died after being struck by the bin lorry he was working on in Limavady, Co Derry, yesterday

AN investigation is underway after a refuse worker - and part-time fireman - was killed after being struck by a bin lorry in Co Derry.

Limavady man John Winton (51) was struck by the lorry he was working on in the Mount Eden area of the town at around 7.30am.

The father-of-two was employed by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. He was collecting refuse when the collision took place.

Emergency services who attended the scene included colleagues from Limavady Fire Station as well as officers from Dungiven and Crescent Link in Derry.

Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Gary Thompson last night said the service is “devastated” by Mr Winton’s death.

“On behalf of NIFRS, I extend our sincere sympathies and condolences to John’s family, his mother Margaret and his children Lisa and Gavin, at this difficult time,” he said.

“John was a retained firefighter at Limavady fire station, having joined NIFRS almost two years ago on 19 November 2016.

“His untimely death at the age of 51 will be greatly felt by all who knew and worked with him.

“John was a dedicated firefighter serving his home town with distinction and he was extremely popular amongst his colleagues.”

“NIFRS is offering support to John’s family and his colleagues at this difficult time,” he added.

John Winton died after being struck by the bin lorry he was working on in Limavady, Co Derry, yesterday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin.
John Winton died after being struck by the bin lorry he was working on in Limavady, Co Derry, yesterday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin. John Winton died after being struck by the bin lorry he was working on in Limavady, Co Derry, yesterday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Sinn Féin mayor Brenda Chivers offered her condolences.

"It is with deep sadness that we learned this morning of the death of a colleague,” she said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with John's family and friends and we offer them our heartfelt sympathies at this time."

East Derry MLA John Dallat said there is “widespread shock in the community and a sense of disbelief that such a tragedy should happen”.

“Our council empties thousands of bins day and daily without mishap,” he said.

“On this occasion something happened and until we read the independent reports prepared by the PSNI and Health and Safety Executive it would be unwise to speculate but instead offer our prayers for all affected by this incident."

PSNI Inspector Siobhan Watt said “an investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances of the incident”.

A spokeswoman for the Health and Safety Executive last night said officials attended the scene and were “making enquiries”.

It is understood the chief of executive of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council David Jackson has spoken with relatives of Mr Winton and was due to visit them last night.

He is expected to brief staff at the council’s Limavady depot this morning.