Blown to her death as she slept in caravan

Swiss tourist dies in freak cliffside accident Thousands hit by electricity failures

A WOMAN in her 50s died after the caravan she was staying in was blown down a cliff in Co Galway.

Swiss tourist Elvira Ferrari had been staying overnight on her own at a park at Claddaghduff, near Clifden, when the storm hit the west coast.

It’s believed she was sleeping alone when the caravan was uprooted and blown from the coastal bank.

A search was carried out on Acton Beach and the woman’s body was recovered, a Garda spokesman said.

Footage shows the caravan broken up into pieces as the tide threatens to wash it out to sea. Ms Ferrari’s belong- ings, including a bicycle helmet, were strewn along the beach.

It is understood she had rented a bike after arriving in Connemara the previous day. Ms Ferrari’s body has been removed to University Hospital Galway for a post mortem and the local coroner has been notified.

News of the tragedy rocked the remote area of Connemara where Storm Ali caused substantial damage to houses, trees and roads

Claddaghduff curate Fr Sean Smith said people were shocked and saddened. He added: “It is so tragic that a visitor to the community should lose her life in this way. I send my condolences to her family.”

Thousands of houses across Ireland were without power throughout yesterday with dozens of schools closed in the county.

Irish President Michael D Higgins also extended his sympathy to the family. He added: “I was deeply saddened to learn that Storm Ali has already claimed one victim today in Claddaghduff, Co Galway.

“As President of Ireland, may I express my deepest condolences. I would also take this opportunity to pay tribute to all those, in statutory and voluntary organisations around the country, who are helping and stand ready to assist their fellow citizens, and who are working to maintain essential services.”

The young man who died at Slieve Gullion forest park in Co Armagh near Newry, was a contractor working for NI Water. A colleague, aged in his 40s, was injured when the tree fell on them on Wednesday afternoon.

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

She added: “I want to extend my

SCENE Gardai at the park