NIFRS offers 'thoughts and sympathies' of firefighters to family of man who died in Ballymoney fire

The man has been named locally as Robert Alexander (Bert) Taggart.

Alan O’Neill, Group Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said: “The thoughts and sympathies of Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are with the loved ones of a man who has sadly died following a house fire in Ballymoney.

“On Saturday, October 21 at 02:49am, firefighters were called to reports of a fire in a semi-detached house on Coleraine Road, Ballymoney. Two crews from Ballymoney and Coleraine fire stations attended the incident and rescued two people in their 70s.

"Tragically a man died at the scene, despite best efforts by Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Firefighters. The fire was extinguished and crews left the incident at 04:29am. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but we believe it was an accidental fire.”

A funeral notice posted online today reads: “Taggart: 21st October 2023, suddenly, as the result of a fire at his home 22 Coleraine Road, Ballymoney, Robert Alexander (Bert) dearly beloved husband of Margaret, dearest father of Mandy, Steven and Ashleigh, stepfather of Norma and a dear father-in-law, grandfather and brother.

"Funeral arrangements later. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired, to R.N.L.I. c/o James McMullan & Son, 22 High Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6AQ or online at mcmullanfunerals.com. Sadly missed by the entire family circle.”