Worker killed in sawmill accident

A 54-YEAR-OLD man has died after an accident at a sawmill. Peter Lennon, pictured, was killed shortly before 9am yesterday at Diamond & Son timber yard where he worked on New Mills Road in Coleraine, Co Derry. The Health and Safety Executive are investigating what is the fifth industrial and farming death within the last month. SDLP assembly member John Dallat said his workmates have been "deeply shocked" by his death. "I wish to offer my deepest sympathy to the family of the man who has tragically lost his life," he said. "I also sympathise with this colleagues who have been deeply shocked by this tragedy. "The sawmill has a long record of providing employment for many people and I know that the management will want to fully cooperate with any investigation which will undoubtedly follow. "It is indeed a shock to everyone." Alliance councillor Yvonne Boyle also offered her condolences. "This is a tragic accident," she said. "The Health and Safety Executive are investigating the circumstances and I hope that they will be able to provide answers to the family and ensure that this accident is not repeated. "There have been several workplace deaths in recent years, so I would encourage all businesses to ensure that their safety regulations are up to standard." The latest accident comes after the deaths of Noel Spence and his two sons, Ulster rugby star Nevin and father-of-two Graham in a slurry tank at their farm in Hillsborough, Co Down, and that of Fermanagh GAA star Brian Og Maguire, who was killed at a factory formerly owned by the Quinn Group in Derrylin, Co Fermanagh. Rasharkin man Francis Kennedy also died two days after being injured on a building site in Coleraine on September 11.