Man in his 20's struck and killed by tree at Slieve Gullion

by Gráinne Connolly

A man has been killed and another was injured after they were hit by a falling tree at Slieve Gullion Forest Park in Newry.

It is understood the men were doing contract work for Northern Ireland Water at the time.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service was called to the scene on the Dromintee Road at around 12.40pm. 

They later transported the injured man in his 40's, to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where he remains in a serious condition.

Meanwhile, Police say a post mortem is due to take place into the death of a man who was in 20's but it's not being treated as suspicious.

The Health and Safety Executive has also been informed. 

(The scene at Slieve Gullion Forest Park - Photo McAuley Media)

The road remains closed at this time following the incident.

Sinn Fein representative and MLA for Newry and Armagh, Megan Fearon has expressed her condolences to the family and friends of the man who was killed:

"The local community are shocked and saddened at the news that a man was tragically killed and another man injured after a tree fell on them at Slieve Gullion Forest Park today.

"I want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of this man at this difficult time. The thoughts of our entire community are with them.

"I also want to commend the emergency services for risking dangerous conditions to respond swiftly to this incident to help others.

"Storm Ali has already caused significant disruption and damage today as it makes its way across the island of Ireland.

"Many trees have fallen, over 250,000 homes across Ireland have been left without power and key roads are closed.

"No-one should underestimate the potential threat to life and property from the storm."