UK & World News
The latest UK & World news stories from the Press Association.
Death prompts slurry tank warning
20:05, Sep 17 2012
Farmers have again been warned of the dangers of slurry tanks in the wake of an accident that claimed the lives of a young rugby star, his brother and their father.
Ulster Rugby player Nevin Spence, 22, brother Graham, 30, and 58-year-old father Noel were killed after being overcome by poisonous fumes and falling into an underground slurry tank at the family farm in Co Down on Saturday. Relatives said the men died trying to save each other.
The region's Health and Safety Executive, which is investigating the incident, has reiterated its advice that farmers should not enter tanks and only mix slurry in ventilated areas.
"Our advice is not to go into slurry pits," said Jim King of the HSENI, adding that only experienced contractors should enter slurry tanks. "For the average farmer - don't go in, stay out and keep as much as you possibly can."
Mr King said he was aware of reports that the incident was triggered after a dog entered the tank but said the exact sequence of events could only be confirmed after consulting eyewitnesses, including grieving family members.
Nevin and Graham's sister Emma, who also inhaled fumes, has been released from hospital following treatment. Along with her mother Essie and sister Laura, the artist was being comforted by friends and relations at the family home on the Drumlough Road.
Ulster Rugby's next scheduled game on Friday night has been postponed as a mark of respect while a minute's silence will be held at all other RaboDirect PRO12 fixtures over the weekend. Books of condolences were opened at the home of Ulster Rugby at Ravenhill in east Belfast as supporters gravitated to the ground to pay their respects.
Mr King said the incident unfolded in an underground slurry tank on the Spences' diary farm, which has around 250 cows.
"We know that unfortunately both Noel, Graham and Nevin were overcome by the fumes of slurry gas and then fell into some slurry at the bottom of the tank," he told BBC Radio Ulster. It is understood the three men had been mixing slurry from outside the tank throughout the day. They entered the tank at around 6pm.
"They were working with the slurry all day, they had been mixing and drawing slurry all day, we understand," said Mr King. "That brings a particular problem as the slurry levels go down ... the space above the slurry becomes almost covered with an invisible mist of slurry gas which is mostly hydrogen sulphide. It's particularly poisonous and it also has the effect that in high concentrations it knocks out your sense of smell and sense of taste."
Pair in court over officer's death 14:05, Feb 11 2013
Two homeless men have been charged with causing the death of a young police officer whose patrol car was hit by a stolen 4x4 in Londonderry. more
Pope hailed over decision to quit 14:05, Feb 11 2013
The three most senior figures in the Catholic Church in England and Wales have paid tribute to Pope Benedict XVI after the Pontiff announced he was leaving office on grounds of age and infirmity. more
Cable urges open business policy 13:05, Feb 11 2013
Britain must make sure its borders are "as open as possible" to genuine foreign business visitors and investment, Business Secretary Vince Cable has said. more
Tributes for killed photojournalist 13:05, Feb 11 2013
The family of award-winning British photojournalist Tim Hetherington, who was killed covering the Libyan civil war, have described him as a "wonderful humanitarian". more
BBC staff threaten one-day strike 13:05, Feb 11 2013
BBC journalists are to stage a one-day strike unless the corporation agrees to end compulsory redundancies, it has been warned. more
Pope Benedict to resign his post 12:05, Feb 11 2013
The pope is to resign his office after declaring he was too old to carry on as head of the Catholic Church. more
Foreign rioters facing deportation 11:05, Feb 11 2013
Just one in 13 foreigners who took part in the riots of 2011 have been deported, it has emerged. more
Briton death sentence appeal filed 10:05, Feb 11 2013
An Indonesian lawyer representing a convicted British grandmother has formally appealed against the death sentence she received for smuggling cocaine worth 2.5 million US dollars (£1.58 million) into the resort island of Bali in a suitcase. more
Legal action plan in horse meat row 09:05, Feb 11 2013
Legal action over the horse meat scandal is to be mounted in Europe, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson has said as he described the contamination of beef products as a case of fraud against the public. more
Snow triggers weather warnings 06:05, Feb 11 2013
Parts of the country are waking up to more than four inches of snow, prompting fears of ice and disruption during rush hour. more
The latest UK & World news stories from the Press Association.
