Menu
10/11/2009
Shock As Girl Chokes On Balloon
A freak accident with a balloon has ended a kids' party in tragedy.
It happened in Spamount, Castlederg, and saw Clarice Harron, a 10-year-old girl, choking on a balloon at a friend's birthday party last Saturday.
The girl was blowing up a balloon when it got sucked into her throat, in a tragic, freak accident.
Immediately afterwards, a local doctor was called to the scene along with an ambulance, according to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, arrived 11 minutes later.
Although paramedics and the doctor spent more than 20 minutes with the girl, before she was rushed to Londonderry's Altnagelvin Hospital, she tragically died.
They said that resuscitation efforts continued until she was pronounced dead, approximately an hour after the accident.
Clarice, who would have been 11-years-old on Monday, was from Glenview in Killen just outside Castlederg.
She was a pupil from at Edwards Primary School, will be closed on Tuesday as the children are to be involved in the funeral service that will take place at St John's Church of Ireland Parish Church.
All her classmates - some of whom looked on, horrified, as the tragic incident unfolded during the party - are being counselled.
The Harron family's minister, Reverend Alan Peek, explained that parents and teachers were helping to support them, and said they were making pictures in memory of the tragic child.
Reverend Peek, own is in Clarice's class, said: "There is absolute shock. The children are full of questions about how and why and there is just numbness. The town is just numb after this tragic accident."
He added Clarice's death is also a shocking blow to the wider Spamount community.
The Western Education and Library Board's Chief Executive Barry Mulholland said in a statement he wished to extend his deep sympathy, on behalf of board members and staff, to the Harron family as well as to the staff and pupils of Edwards Primary School.
UUP Councillor Derek Hussey, a close family friend, said her parents and her three older siblings were devastated by the tragedy.
Father Colm O'Doherty from St Patrick's Church described Clarice's death as "heartbreaking".
He said: "It is terrible, an awful situation, dreadful, a complete freak accident and that is all we can describe it as."
(CL/BMcC)
It happened in Spamount, Castlederg, and saw Clarice Harron, a 10-year-old girl, choking on a balloon at a friend's birthday party last Saturday.
The girl was blowing up a balloon when it got sucked into her throat, in a tragic, freak accident.
Immediately afterwards, a local doctor was called to the scene along with an ambulance, according to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, arrived 11 minutes later.
Although paramedics and the doctor spent more than 20 minutes with the girl, before she was rushed to Londonderry's Altnagelvin Hospital, she tragically died.
They said that resuscitation efforts continued until she was pronounced dead, approximately an hour after the accident.
Clarice, who would have been 11-years-old on Monday, was from Glenview in Killen just outside Castlederg.
She was a pupil from at Edwards Primary School, will be closed on Tuesday as the children are to be involved in the funeral service that will take place at St John's Church of Ireland Parish Church.
All her classmates - some of whom looked on, horrified, as the tragic incident unfolded during the party - are being counselled.
The Harron family's minister, Reverend Alan Peek, explained that parents and teachers were helping to support them, and said they were making pictures in memory of the tragic child.
Reverend Peek, own is in Clarice's class, said: "There is absolute shock. The children are full of questions about how and why and there is just numbness. The town is just numb after this tragic accident."
He added Clarice's death is also a shocking blow to the wider Spamount community.
The Western Education and Library Board's Chief Executive Barry Mulholland said in a statement he wished to extend his deep sympathy, on behalf of board members and staff, to the Harron family as well as to the staff and pupils of Edwards Primary School.
UUP Councillor Derek Hussey, a close family friend, said her parents and her three older siblings were devastated by the tragedy.
Father Colm O'Doherty from St Patrick's Church described Clarice's death as "heartbreaking".
He said: "It is terrible, an awful situation, dreadful, a complete freak accident and that is all we can describe it as."
(CL/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 March 2012
Body Of Missing Man Discovered In Lake
The body of missing Crossmaglen man Padraig Campbell has been found. The 37-year-old’s body was recovered from a lake in Co Monaghon last night. Campbell, of Drumbroy Road, Castleblaney, has been missing from the 18 March. Gardai have described his death as a tragic accident, however a post-mortem will be carried out.
Body Of Missing Man Discovered In Lake
The body of missing Crossmaglen man Padraig Campbell has been found. The 37-year-old’s body was recovered from a lake in Co Monaghon last night. Campbell, of Drumbroy Road, Castleblaney, has been missing from the 18 March. Gardai have described his death as a tragic accident, however a post-mortem will be carried out.
26 May 2021
Toddler Dies In Tragic Accident In Aghalee
An investigation has launched after a three-year-old boy died following an accident involving a car near his home in Co Armagh. The collision occurred on the Boghead Bridge Road, Aghalee, just outside Lurgan on Tuesday, 25 May. The toddler was treated at the scene before being taken to Craigavon Area Hospital.
Toddler Dies In Tragic Accident In Aghalee
An investigation has launched after a three-year-old boy died following an accident involving a car near his home in Co Armagh. The collision occurred on the Boghead Bridge Road, Aghalee, just outside Lurgan on Tuesday, 25 May. The toddler was treated at the scene before being taken to Craigavon Area Hospital.
06 January 2016
Toddler Dies In Tragic Accident
A two-year-old boy who was killed after a chest of drawers fell on top of him has been named as Archie Tafts. The accident happened at a property in Cloughmills, Co Antrim, on Tuesday. In a statement, the PSNI said: "As would be normal procedure with any sudden death, a report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.
Toddler Dies In Tragic Accident
A two-year-old boy who was killed after a chest of drawers fell on top of him has been named as Archie Tafts. The accident happened at a property in Cloughmills, Co Antrim, on Tuesday. In a statement, the PSNI said: "As would be normal procedure with any sudden death, a report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.
14 August 2015
Boy Dies In Tragic Accident At Hilden Brewery
A four-year-old boy has died following a tragic accident at Hilden Brewery in Lisburn on Thursday afternoon. It is believed he was crushed under a metal tank. The Health and Safety Executive has launched an investigation.
Boy Dies In Tragic Accident At Hilden Brewery
A four-year-old boy has died following a tragic accident at Hilden Brewery in Lisburn on Thursday afternoon. It is believed he was crushed under a metal tank. The Health and Safety Executive has launched an investigation.
07 February 2011
Tragic RIR Soldier Dies In Accident
The NI soldier who died in an accident in Afghanistan's Helmand province has been named overnight as 20-year-old David Dalzell. Ranger Dalzell, was from Bangor and serving with 1st Battalion the Royal Irish Regiment when the accident happened on Friday in Nad-e Ali, the Ministry of Defence said.
Tragic RIR Soldier Dies In Accident
The NI soldier who died in an accident in Afghanistan's Helmand province has been named overnight as 20-year-old David Dalzell. Ranger Dalzell, was from Bangor and serving with 1st Battalion the Royal Irish Regiment when the accident happened on Friday in Nad-e Ali, the Ministry of Defence said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
