Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Around 2,000 pigs have died in shed fire on a farm in Kilkeel, Northern Ireland.
Firefighters responded to calls of a fire involving a large farm shed on Carrigenagh Road in the coastal town of Kilkeel just before 9pm on Monday.
Four fire tricks attended the scene, as well as the Animal Rescue Team, a Command Support Unit and a Water Tanker, said the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
A spokesperson from the rescue service said in a statement: “Firefighters worked in difficult conditions to prevent the fire spreading to adjacent buildings, however, it is believed that approximately 1,500 - 2,000 pigs have perished as a result of the blaze.”
A man, who was one of the farm workers, suffered minor burns to his feet during the incident and was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital. No other injuries have been reported.
It took emergency responders about three hours to get the blaze under control. The fire was believed to have been started by accident.
Assistant Group Commander Martin Healy told the BBC it was “a very difficult scene to witness”, and he was thankful firefighters were able to stop the fire from spreading to more sheds.
He expressed his sympathies for the owner of the farm, who was “devastated” by the blaze.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments