Council worker dies after collision with bin lorry

A 51 year old council worker has lost his life after a collision with a bin lorry in Limavady.

The father of two, John Winton, died as a result of the injuries he received after the vehicle he was working on collided with him around half seven on Tuesday morning.

Mr Winton was also a retained firefigther at Limavady Fire Station.

Police are currently investigating the circumstances of the incident at Mount Eden.

Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Gary Thompson said:

“Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service is devastated to learn of the death of our colleague Firefighter John Winton who died this morning in an off-duty incident.

“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.

“John was a Retained Firefighter at Limavady Fire Station, having joined NIFRS almost 2 years ago on 19 November 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.

SDLP Causeway Coast and Glens Council group have expressed their deepest sympathies following a fatal accident in Limavady involving a bin lorry.

Speaking on behalf of the SDLP Councillors on Causeway Coast and Glens Council group, Cllr John Deighan commented:

"Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of the person who lost their life in a tragic accident involving a bin lorry operated by Causeway Coast and Glens Council.

"Loss is never easy but in circumstances such as this in the lead up to Christmas it is particularly difficult to deal with.

"It is a difficult time for everyone and not least for the crew of the bin lorry involved who had just started an early collection of bins in the Mount Eden area of Limavady.

The Councillors were joined by their MLA for East Derry John Dallat who said:

"There is widespread shock in the community and a sense of disbelief that such a tragedy should happen. Our council empties thousands of bins day and daily without mishap. On this occasion something happened and until we read the independent reports prepared by the PSNI and Health and Safety Executive it would be unwise to speculate but instead offer our prayers for all affected by this incident."