Infant killed in Mayo beach accident

The remains of a Belfast toddler killed in a freak accident when she was struck by a caravan trailer at a Co Mayo beach at the…

The remains of a Belfast toddler killed in a freak accident when she was struck by a caravan trailer at a Co Mayo beach at the weekend have been brought back to her native city for burial.

Two and a half year old Erin Thompson, who lived at Gilnahirk Chase, Belfast, died on Saturday on a remote beach near Ballycastle.

The infant had been holidaying in the north Mayo area with members of her extended family.

It is understood one of the adult members of the group, not the victim’s father or mother, had been reversing a caravan when it struck the infant fatally injuring her.

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Young Erin died despite desperate and frantic efforts to revive her.

Ballina based Supt Pat McHugh said yesterday the death had been the result of a freak and tragic accident.

“It happened in an instant,” Supt McHugh stated. “The hearts of the local community go out to the family who are devastated by their loss.”

A post mortem was carried out at Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar prior to the removal to the remains to Belfast.

An inquest is to be conducted later by the acting coroner for North Mayo, Dr Eleanor Fitzgerald.