Ballina fire

Man severely injured in Ballina fire

Neill O’Neill

GARDAÍ in Ballina are treating as suspicious a fire which left three people in hospital at the weekend.
Mr Joseph Sweeney and his parents were in their family home on McDermott Street in the town when the fire was reported at 4.40pm on Sunday afternoon. All three were removed to Mayo General Hospital and Joseph was later transferred to St James’ Hospital in Dublin with very serious burn injuries. His condition was described as life-threatening yesterday, while the injuries received by his parents were described as minor.
Gardaí say they are keeping an open mind on the incident but are treating the fire as suspicious, and have set up an incident room in Ballina Garda Station. A full investigation is now underway in the north Mayo town and a Garda spokesperson said that there are many statements to be taken and much CCTV footage to be reviewed in the coming days, but that they expect the investigation to move along swiftly.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Ballina Garda Station on 096 21422.