Investigation into Dromore man’s farm death

William McMillan died on Thursday afternoon in the accident on the Redhill Road.

According to reports his son had returned to the farmyard after spreading slurry to discover that his father was missing.

The incident is being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive who, in Janurary this year launched an initative to cut the number of farm deaths.

Mr McMillan, who is the fourth person to die in a farm accident in Northern Ireland this year, was married with two children.

Speaking to the Leader’s sister paper, the News Letter, local councilor Olive Mercer said the accident has caused untold grief.

“It is a terrible tragedy for the family of this young man who, it seems, was going about his work on the farm,” said Councillor Mercer, who knows the family.

“Our first thoughts are with the family and I would extend my sympathy to them at this terrible time.

“To lose a loved one is very difficult, but to lose someone in these circumstances causes even more pain and grief.

“While we don’t know exactly what happened here, it unfortunately shows once again just how dangerous farming can be and the hazards around slurry tanks.

“An accident like this leaves us all shocked and saddened, but particularly in the farming community which has suffered so much.”

Mr McMillan’s death follows that of Katesbridge man David Mayne, a father-of-five who died after a slurry tanker crushed him as he tried to change the wheel in February last year.

For more on this story see Tuesday’s Dromore Leader.