Man killed by Storm Ali as another is injured

A MAN in his 20s was killed by a falling tree in south Armagh while trying to save water services during Storm Ali.

The man, who died at Slieve Gullion forest park, which is close to the border, was a contractor working for Northern Ireland Water.

A fellow worker, aged in his 40s, was injured when the tree fell on them yesterday afternoon.

Newry and Armagh MLA Megan Fearon said the community around Slieve Gullion had been left shocked and saddened by the tragedy.

‘I want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of this man at this difficult time,’ she said. ‘The thoughts of our entire community are with them.

‘I also want to commend the emergency services for risking dangerous conditions to respond swiftly to this incident to help others.’

The UK Met Office said gusts of 146kph hit Killowen in County Down.

Slieve Gullion is a densely forested hill and forest park in the Morne Mountains. It is the highest point in Northern Ireland.

Police closed off several roads around the site after the accident.

A Northern Ireland Water spokeswoman said it is currently working closely with the emergency services, the Health and Safety Executive and the PSNI, and will do everything possible to assist the investigation.