Emergency crews are battling a fire involving an oil tank in Lurgan, according to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. The service was called at 11.43am on Friday to reports of a tank alight on Mourneview Avenue.
Key points
- Location — Mourneview Avenue and Tandragee Road, close to Lurgan Hospital
- Crews — appliances from Lurgan, Banbridge and Portadown fire stations
- Advice — police ask the public to avoid the area and drivers to find other routes
Three fire appliances are at the scene, sent from Lurgan, Banbridge and Portadown stations. The fire service says the incident is still ongoing.
Police have told road users and residents to keep away from Mourneview Avenue and the Tandragee Road near Lurgan Hospital. Diversions have been set up while crews work, and motorists are being asked to take alternative routes until further notice.
What it means in practice
For anyone living in or travelling through Lurgan this afternoon, the main effect is on the roads. The closures centre on Mourneview Avenue and the Tandragee Road beside the hospital, so journeys in that part of town will take longer and some bus routes may be affected. There is no word yet on when the roads will reopen.
- Drivers — avoid the hospital area and follow the diversions rather than trying to get through.
- Residents — keep windows and doors shut if you are close by, as smoke from an oil fire can be unpleasant.
- Hospital visitors — allow extra time and check your route before setting off.
