TRIBUTES have been paid to a part-time firefighter who died after an accident involving a bin lorry he was working on.
John Winton, 51, died from injuries sustained in a collision with the refuse collection vehicle.
The incident happened at Mount Eden in Limavady, Co. Derry at around 7.30am today.
Emergency services, including some of Mr Winton’s fire service colleagues, attended the scene but sadly he could not be saved.
'Extremely popular'
Gary Thompson, Chief Fire & Rescue Officer for Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), said Mr Winton served his home town with distinction.
“On behalf of NIFRS, I extend our sincere sympathies and condolences to John’s family, his mother Margaret and his children Lisa and Gavin at this difficult time,” said Mr Thompson.
“John was a Retained Firefighter at Limavady Fire Station, having joined NIFRS almost two years ago on November 19, 2016.
“His untimely death at the age of 51 will be greatly felt by all who knew and worked with him.
“John was a dedicated firefighter serving his home town with distinction and he was extremely popular amongst his colleagues.
“His death will be felt across the entire service and the NIFRS family.
“John’s colleagues from Limavady Fire Station and neighbouring stations of Dungiven and Crescent Link attended the incident this morning which happened on Mount Eden, Limavady at 7.36am.
“NIFRS is offering support to John’s family and his colleagues at this difficult time.”
'Sadness'
Caoimhe Archibald, Sinn Féin MLA for East Derry, said the community was in shock following the incident.
“I would like to extend my sympathies to the family and friends of John Winton,” she said.
“Today’s news has come as a great shock and there is a strong sense of sadness in the area.
“It is important that a full investigation into the circumstances of the accident is conducted.
“Mr Winton’s family and friends are very much in the thoughts of everyone at this difficult time.”
A spokesperson for the Health and safety Executive said they are aware of the incident and are making inquiries
The PSNI have asked any witnesses to contact them at the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 195 of 06/11/18.
