THE four-year-old son of North of Ireland brewery boss Owen Scullion has been killed in a freak accident.
Oliver Scullion was killed in an incident involving a storage tank at Hilden’s Brewery in Lisburn.
It is believed that the tank broke away from its bindings and crashed to the ground, crushing Oliver. His father Owen was also injured in the accident.
He is recovering in hospital with a broken leg.
As emergency services attended the scene, guests were arriving at the brewery for a wedding reception, unaware of the tragedy unfolding nearby.
SDLP councillor Pat Catney, who is a close friend of the family, said the child was "a force of nature".
"This little blond four-year-old wonder enchanted everyone who met him," he said. "He was part of the life here at the brewery and I know that the staff are also devastated at his death."
The family released a statement which said: “The Scullion-Hanna family would like to thank all who are supporting us at this heartbreaking time. Under the circumstances, we regretfully have to cancel the Hilden Beer and Music Festival, due to take place 28-30 August.”
The Health And Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) is investigating the circumstances in which the accident took place.
A spokeswoman said: "The HSENI has been notified of the death of a young child at a commercial premises in the Lisburn area and is investigating the circumstances.
"We are unable to comment further at this stage except to offer our deepest sympathy to the family."
Established in 1981, Hilden Brewery is the oldest independent brewery in Ireland.
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