Three firefighters injured in explosion at Cork farm

Garda technical experts are to carry out a forensic examination following a fire at a farm near Macroom in Co Cork, during which three firefighters were injured.

The three members of Macroom Fire Brigade suffered injuries to their hands and faces when a barrel of liquid exploded while they were fighting the fire in a shed in the farm at Rae, Tarelton.

The firefighters were outside the shed when the barrel exploded, sending flames shooting out.

The emergency services had been alerted to the fire shortly before 12.55am on Sunday and members of the Macroom Fire Brigade were on the scene by 1.11am.

The three firefighters were rushed to Cork University Hospital (CUH) for treatment for burn injuries. Two were later discharged after treatment.

The third firefighter sustained more serious burns and was detained for further treatment at the burns unit at CUH.

His injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

The remaining firefighters from Macroom were subsequently joined by firefighters from Dunmanway Fire Brigade.

They spent more than two hours bringing the blaze under control.

The farmer, his wife and their three children had managed to get out of the farm safely.

Fire source

According to Garda sources, it appears the fire began in a shed area next to the cowshed where the farmer used to carry out repairs on tractors and other machinery used on the farm.

Garda technical experts removed a number of empty barrels for testing to try and establish what exactly caused the explosion, but they are satisfied that foul play was not involved.