Rugby star dies in slurry tank tragedy

Nevin Spence, who was a member of the Ulster rugby squad that reached this year’s Heineken Cup final, died after falling into a slurry tank on his family’s farm.

The accident, which also injured Mr Spence’s sister, happened shortly after 6pm on Saturday outside Hillsborough, County Down.

Emergency crews went to the family farm following reports that four people had fallen into the slurry pit.

Following a lengthy rescue operation it was confirmed that three men had died and a woman was taken to hospital for treatment for the inhalation of fumes.

The 22-year-old rose to prominence playing for Ulster and was a rising star in Ireland’s international rugby scene.

Shocked

Rugby players and fans paid tribute to the young player on social media as news emerged of his involvement in the tragedy.

Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson said on Twitter: “Deeply saddened to hear of the tragedy in Hillsborough this evening. My thoughts and prayers are with family at this time of devastation.”

Deeply saddened to hear of the tragedy in Hillsborough this evening.My thoughts and prayers are with family at this time of devastation.

— Peter Robinson (@DUPleader) September 15, 2012

Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy also paid tribute to Mr Spence: “Just heard the tragic news of Nevin Spence and his family. Makes you cherish every day you have on this Earth,” he said in a Twitter post.

Ulster’s director of Rugby, David Humphreys, said Spence had been “a dream” to work with and had huge potential as a rugby player.

The Ulster Farmers’ Union said the tragedy had shocked the entire farming community.

UFU president Harry Sinclair said; “On behalf of all our members, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family involved.

“This news has shocked the farming community. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the three men who have so tragically lost their lives.

“We understand that a fourth member of the family has been hospitalised and we pray that they will make a full recovery.”

Lives have been lost in the past in accidents at other farm slurry tanks, but the scale of the latest tragedy caused widespread shock.

Fume inhalation

Investigations into the cause of the tragedy are ongoing but there are unconfirmed reports that family members may have been attempting to rescue a dog from the tank, before Mr Spence helped in the effort to save his relatives.

The Health and Safety Executive is to investigate the circumstances and establish a clearer picture of how the tragedy unfolded.

A spokesman for the ambulance 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.

Slurry is created from cow manure and water and is a natural fertiliser that farmers can use to encourage the growth of grass and other crops. It is usually stored in a tank or lagoon before it is spread over farmland.