A father of three is in a critical condition in hospital following a farm accident that claimed the life of his eight-year-old son.
Bertie Christie, 52, was fighting for his life in the Causeway Hospital in Northern Ireland after he and his son Robert were overcome by slurry fumes on a farm near Dunloy, Co Antrim yesterday afternoon (Saturday).
Eight year old Robert, a student at Knockahollet primary school, was airlifted to Belfastās Royal Victoria Hospital but medics were unable to save him.
Investigators from Northern Irelandās Health and Safety Executive are trying to piece together exactly what happened.
It is understood the father and son were mixing slurry on a farm belonging to a family friend.
Bill Kennedy, who lives close to the Christies, said the community was stunned.āThe whole community is absolutely devastated,ā said the shop owner and DUP councillor.
āThey are shocked, canāt believe or take in what has happened. They are a popular family. Bertie does a lot of work around local farms, heās that type of person.
āI have no doubt the community will rally round and help the family just like the family has helped others in the past.ā
Sinn Fein MLA for the area Daithi McKay said: āThe thoughts and prayers of everybody in this rural community are with the family of those involved in this tragic incident.ā