Gales force Maze show to close

Damage to the Farm Machinery Show at Balmoral Park.

It is understood that up to seven links of a large portable marquee collapsed shortly after 12noon on Thursday January 15 due to the stormy conditions.

Ambulances were called and it is understood one man was taken to hospital after suffering a gash to his head.

Commenting on the incident at the show at the Maze, the chairman of the Agriculture Committee the DUP’s William Irwin MLA said: “Firstly my thoughts are with the gentlemen who was struck on the head and I understand he was taken to hospital, we all hope he makes a full and swift recovery. I have been informed that he had only stepped away from an exhibitors stand and was then struck by the marquee supports which had been dislodged by the strong winds.”

He added: “An exhibitor contacted me who was in the marquee and he was very shaken by this incident as large steel supports were literally flying everywhere and people really had to move fast to get out of the way.”