The owners of a coffin manufacturer in Strabane have said they are "absolutely devastated" after a huge fire yesterday destroyed their business premises.
An inferno erupted at O'Doherty's & Sons coffin manufacturers, on Railway Street, at around 4pm.
Around 80 firefighters arrived to tackle the blaze but within a short space of time, flames had engulfed the entire building.
The cause is currently under investigation. There has been speculation that the blaze resulted from a lightning strike.
In a statement released this morning, O’Doherty & Sons said: "As a family we are absolutely devastated that a fire has destroyed our much loved family business on Railway Street in Strabane on Sunday.
"We are relieved that no one was hurt or injured in this fire."
The owners of the business, which was established in 1908, thanked the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service for bringing the blaze under control.
"We would also like to thank our employees, customers, suppliers, the public, and local businesses for their many messages of support at this tough time," the statement said.
"We will take the next few days to reflect on what happened and plan for the future along with our dedicated and hardworking staff.”
The fire service said work would continue today and that there was one fire engine left at the scene. Last night people living nearby were asked to keep doors and windows shut and avoid the immediate area. The cause is being investigated.
Sinn Fein MLA for Foyle Martina Anderson shared a video of the incident on Twitter with the caption “Struck by lightning!”
Struck by lighting!
— Martina Anderson MLA (@M_AndersonSF) July 4, 2021
Strabane Town Centre https://t.co/GMqPK6qItV
No injuries have been reported.
“NIFRS are continuing to deal with what was a substantial fire at a commercial premises, Railway Street Strabane,” the Fire Service said in a statement on Sunday.
“There are currently 10 pumping appliances and four specialist vehicles in attendance with approximately 80 firefighters.
“Operations are expected to continue into tomorrow.
“The public are asked to avoid the area due to high level of activity and also keep windows and doors closed. NIFRS received notification of the fire at 1610hrs, cause is currently under investigation.”
Councillors said the business employed up to 40 staff and people in the town are struggling to take in the scale of the damage. Independent councillor Paul Gallagher said he heard a loud noise before seeing “plumes of smoke”.
“This is absolutely devastating for Strabane and the whole place is in shock at the damage caused,” he said. “This is one of the main coffin manufacturers in Ireland and they sell stock across the world. The entire building has suffered major damage.”
SDLP councillor Jason Barr said: “This business has been at the heart of Strabane for over a century and is one of the area’s main employers with a large workforce. This is devastating.” Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson shared a video of the incident on Twitter with the caption “Struck by lightning!” No injuries were reported.
Earlier on Sunday, the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for the area, which mentioned a risk of lightning strikes.
It said: “There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds
“Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.”
Derry City & Strabane District Council’s DUP mayor, Graham Warke, said the storms had brought heavy flooding in the area.
He said: “We’re dealing with a number of floods here at the moment in the city. I know there’s a major fire. It’s mad here at the minute. We’re having severe heavy rain, a lot of local flooding.”
Local Alliance party councillor Stephen Donnelly tweeted: “Deeply disturbing images emerging from Strabane town centre.
“Thankful to the fire service as they seek to bring the blaze under control, and my thoughts are with the businesses and workers impacted.”
Charles O’Doherty & Sons is an independent family business that has been operating in the area for more than a century after being established in 1908.
Its website says: “The business originally built horse-drawn carts and traps and then evolved to coach building with the advent of the combustion engine.
“When coffin manufacturing was introduced the second generation continued to manage both businesses.
“Today the company concentrates solely on coffin manufacturing, providing a high level of craftsmanship quality and professionalism to all its customers.”
