http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/sep/15/northern-ireland-slurry-pit-accident?newsfeed=true
Three family members die in Northern Ireland slurry pit accident
Fourth person critically ill after accident on family farm outside Hillsborough, Co Down
Henry McDonald
guardian.co.uk, Saturday 15 September 2012 23.18 BST
Three members of the same family have died in a slurry pit accident tonight in Northern Ireland.
It is understood a father and two of his sons lost their lives in the tragedy on their family farm outside Hillsborough, Co Down.
There were unconfirmed reports the tragedy unfolded after one of the family members entered the pit to rescue their pet dog which had fallen into it. A fourth person believed to be a daughter was critically ill in Belfast’s Royal Victoria hospital.
Ambulance crews received a call to the farm in Drumlough Road just after 6pm and deployed several rapid response teams. One line of inquiry the police are pursuing is that the four may have been overcome by toxic fumes inside the slurry pit.
A spokesman for Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: "Three were unconscious and NIAS paramedics commenced resuscitation efforts immediately assisted by other ambulance personnel.
"One of the four showed initial signs of responding to the efforts of the crews and was transported immediately to the nearby Lagan Valley Hospital, where unfortunately he died a short time later.
“Despite the best efforts of all involved the other two men died at the scene. A female was treated at the scene and taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital where she is recovering from the effects of fume inhalation.”
The ambulance service said it extended its sympathies to those involved.
The Health and Safety Executive has been notified about the tragedy and an investigation will be held over the next few days. The names of the victims have yet to be released but it is understood one of them is a well known sportsman in the province.
The MP for the area Jeffrey Donaldson who knows the family described the loss of life as a “devastating blow” to the Hillsborough community.
“The victims are from a well known and highly respected family,” the Lagan Valley MP said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved ones. And I am certain the community of Hillsborough will rally around them at this terrible time.
Local SDLP councillor Pat Catney who is originally from the Hillsborough area SDLP councillor Pat Catney is originally from the area said: "I’m shocked and devastated. It’s another farming accident, and there are too many of them.
“Something has to be done to stop these accidents. I’m sorry for the family and for the neighbours.”