**Incident Report: Suspicious Fire at Ballyclare Industrial Site** A recent fire outbreak at an industrial facility in Ballyclare has sparked suspicions of arson, prompting a response from both police and fire services. Authorities are currently investigating the incident to determine the cause and any potential criminal activity involved.
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UPDATE AT 10:38 PM – On Thursday evening, a fire broke out at the Dennison Industrial Estate in Ballyclare, Co Antrim. Police are investigating the incident as a potential act of arson. Fire services responded swiftly after receiving reports of a burning lorry.
Upon arrival, fire crews found two lorries fully engulfed in flames, with two others damaged by the intense heat. Nearby residents reported hearing multiple loud explosions, indicating the fire’s severity.
Firefighting efforts and investigation
A spokesperson from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) confirmed that four fire engines and four support vehicles were dispatched.
A team of 22 firefighters worked to control the blaze, extinguishing it by 12:17 AM.
Police officers were also on the scene, collaborating with NIFRS. A police spokesperson stated that they would monitor the area throughout Thursday, pursuing leads and gathering evidence related to the incident.
Financial implications of the fire
Detective Inspector Adrian Keon expressed concerns about the fire being deliberate. He noted that the incident has led to significant financial losses due to the destruction of vehicles and their contents, impacting the local community.
Healthcare system’s IT disruption and recovery
In a separate incident, the Southern Health Trust experienced a significant IT outage, disrupting services across its facilities. The issue has now been resolved; however, many surgeries and appointments remain canceled. The Trust confirmed the restoration of systems and outlined plans for a phased reconnection.
Community services are expected to resume normal operations, but the Trust has advised that most planned surgeries will still be postponed. Staff have contacted those affected, working to reschedule appointments as soon as possible.
Public appeal and ongoing investigations
As the healthcare system recovers, the public is urged to reserve emergency department visits for critical cases only, allowing staff to prioritize urgent care. Investigations are ongoing to determine the outage’s cause, with preliminary assessments suggesting no indications of cyber-related issues.
Medical Director Stephen Austin attributed the disruption to a hardware issue within the Trust’s data centers. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt announced a full investigation, emphasizing the need for measures to prevent future disruptions.
Jennifer Smyth’s inspiring journey
In a different narrative, Jennifer Smyth, a former competitive gymnast from Co Derry, has transformed her tragic accident into a mission to assist others. After suffering a severe neck injury in 2013 that left her paralyzed from the chest down, Jennifer dedicated her life to recovery. Now 27, she has opened Northern Ireland’s first gym designed specifically for individuals with disabilities.
Upon arrival, fire crews found two lorries fully engulfed in flames, with two others damaged by the intense heat. Nearby residents reported hearing multiple loud explosions, indicating the fire’s severity.0
Community support and gym establishment
Upon arrival, fire crews found two lorries fully engulfed in flames, with two others damaged by the intense heat. Nearby residents reported hearing multiple loud explosions, indicating the fire’s severity.1
Upon arrival, fire crews found two lorries fully engulfed in flames, with two others damaged by the intense heat. Nearby residents reported hearing multiple loud explosions, indicating the fire’s severity.2
Upon arrival, fire crews found two lorries fully engulfed in flames, with two others damaged by the intense heat. Nearby residents reported hearing multiple loud explosions, indicating the fire’s severity.3
