Body found at coffin makers following major fire

A Major Fire at Finlays Coffin Works in Ardee Co Louth

Joanna Kiernan

A body has been found at a coffin making factory following a major fire yesterday

One worker (30) at Finlay Coffin and Casket makers in Ardee, Co. Louth had been presumed missing, following the outbreak of major fire at the factory, which began at approximately 5pm yesterday.

Six units of the Fire Brigade attended the scene of the fire at the plant, which is one of Ireland’s largest coffin suppliers.

Residents close to the factory had to leave their homes for fear of explosions which might occur at the plant, due to paints and chemicals contained within the workshops, where the fire is believed to have started.

Patients at the Moorehall Lodge nursing home close by have also had to be evacuated due to the risk of smoke inhalation.

Local Councillor Finnian McCoy, whose first job in the factory, has extended his sympathies to the Finlay family on the disaster.

The majority of staff had left for the evening by the time the fire broke out, but it was feared that one man was still in the building at the time the blaze broke out.