A small close-knit Co Kildare community are in mourning following the tragic death of a 78- year-old man, after an ambulance at Naas A& E caught fire.
Locals in the small Kildare village of Suncroft are struggling to come to terms with the tragic death of Christopher Byrne.
Mr Byrne lived in Ard Brid, a cluster of houses where people were said to know each other well.
The lunchtime fire hit the ambulance, leading to the death of Mr Byrne. Two paramedic staff sustained injuries in an attempt to rescue Mr Byrne from the ambulance.
This morning Fianna Fáil TD, Fiona O'Loughlin said: "May I extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the late Chrisopher Byrne who died so tragically yesterday in an ambulance at Naas A&E. The community of Suncroft is no doubt in deep shock today. SIPTU have called for a full investigation and a 'definitive answer' to how the tragedy happened. The age of the vehicle and equipment is not an issue; as I understand it, the ambulance was only one year old fitted with modern emergency equipment and spec. I feel for the two medics who tried to assist the late Mr Byrne, they must be deeply traumatised and both sustained injuries from their attempts to rescue the poor man."
Tony O’Brien, Director General of the Health Service Executive, said both ambulance staff, David Finnegan and Stephen Lloyd, were injured as they attempted to save the patient.
He said the man’s death was a direct consequence of the fire and he sympathised with the victim’s family and said the staff at Naas did everything possible to save him as did the ambulance personnel.
Ambulance exploded outside the A&E department at Naas General HospitalIf you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Kildare Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 045 409350. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 086 729 0010. Or you can email content@kildarenow.com at any time.