Northern Ireland

Two in hospital and four houses damaged after oil tanks rupture in Bessbrook fire

NIFRS said the fire was `quickly brought under control following the arrival of fire crews'
NIFRS said the fire was `quickly brought under control following the arrival of fire crews' NIFRS said the fire was `quickly brought under control following the arrival of fire crews'

TWO people - one a firefighter - were taken to hospital after a "major" fire damaged four properties near Newry.

Appliances from stations at Newry, Warrenpoint, Newtownhamilton and Portadown attended the blaze at Camlough Park in Bessbrook.

Two oil tanks ruptured, spreading the fire "rapidly from the rear" of four terraced houses.

The first reports to emergency services came at lunchtime and a spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said when they arrived at the scene they found "other hazards included several gas cylinders involved in the fire exploding".

NIFRS said the fire was "quickly brought under control following the arrival of fire crews", but added it was a "challenging incident".

"Unfortunately one property was destroyed by fire and three other properties were damaged by heat and smoke.

"One resident was feeling unwell and taken to Daisy Hill Hospital for a check-up and one firefighter also was sent to hospital as a precaution."