Slurry tank survivor leaves hospital

A WOMAN who survived a farming accident which killed a young rugby star, his father and brother has been released from hospital.

Emma Spence, the sister of Ulster Rugby’s Nevin Spence, was being treated in Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital for the effects of inhaling fumes following the weekend slurry tank tragedy.

Her two brothers and father were overcome by gas after falling into the tank at their farm on the Drumlough Road in Hillsborough, Co Down, at around 6pm on Saturday.

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The talented 22-year-old rugby player died along with his 30-year-old brother, Graham, who was married with two children, and their 52-year-old father, Noel.

Ms Spence, a well-known artist, was discharged from hospital as relatives revealed that the three men died trying to save each other.

A book of condolence wase opened yesterday at Ulster Rugby’s Ravenhill ground in Belfast, already the site of floral tributes, while the team’s RaboDirect PRO12 game on Friday in Italy against Zebre looks set to be postponed.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalised.

There is widespread shock at the devastating blow to the remaining family members, Essie Spence and her daughter, Laura.

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The grieving relatives said in a statement: “The families of Noel, Graham and Nevin Spence are trying very hard to come to terms with their tragic loss. The three men were very close to each other in life, and that love was expressed in their final moments trying to help one another.”

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland is investigating the circumstances to establish a clear picture of how the tragedy unfolded.

Nevin Spence was already a star of the Ulster Rugby team and was tipped to have a glittering international career ahead of him.

Players and club officials visited the Spence family on Sunday night to pass on their condolences.

The Ulster Farmers’ Union said the deaths had shocked the entire farming community.

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