Two taken to hospital and house destroyed after oil tank blaze in Bessbrook

Q Radio News/PA

A house was destroyed and a resident and firefighter were taken to hospital after a major oil tank fire in Co Armagh.

The fire broke out at the rear of terraced houses in the village of Bessbrook near Newry on Sunday afternoon.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said the fire spread rapidly after two oil tanks ruptured.

The fire service said several gas cylinders also exploded.

🎥 Update: NI Fire & Rescue Service

Fire near Newry today - Camlough Park, Bessbrook.

Spread from oil tanks to four properties. Appears accidental.

Crews quickly brought it under control.

A resident and a firefighter have received hospital treatment. pic.twitter.com/tYY5EeQDzy

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) June 27, 2021

Fire crews from four stations – Newry, Warrenpoint, Newtownhamilton and Portadown – attended the scene.

The NIFRS said the blaze was quickly brought under control, but one house was destroyed and three others sustained heat and smoke damage.

The NIFRS said the resident and firefighter were taken to hospital as a “precaution”.

Dramatic footage of the blaze posted on social media by the fire service shows huge plumes of smoke engulfing the properties.

Bessbrook fire video grab from NI Fire & Rescue Service, courtesy of local resident Stuart Harding.