FULL SHOCKING AFTERMATH REVEALED
EXCLUSIVE
Full shocking aftermath of bomb revealed
By William Allen
THE appalling human cost of the Omagh bombing was underlined today when health chiefs revealed that 2,500 people have been treated for problems related to the atrocity.
Medical experts also said that many other people have not yet come forward for treatment.
The disclosure comes as Sperrin Lakeland Trust awaits a decision on its application for millions of pounds to finance the long-term treatment of the bomb victims.
Managers at the Trust today revealed that, in addition to 345 people treated at Tyrone County Hospital, more than 2,000 people have been seen by local GPs since the atrocity on August 15.
The Trust today confirmed that it submitted a detailed business plan to the Department of Health and Social Services late last week.
A spokeswoman admitted that other services were being affected by the need to divert resources towards caring for the bomb victims.
But she said the Trust was confident Secretary of State Mo Mowlam would keep her promise that extra help would be made available.
In an exclusive interview with the Belfast Telegraph today, two leading experts in Omagh also disclose that the impact of the bombing was even more widespread than anticipated.
Both senior managers with Sperrin Lakeland Trust, they predicted that the Shockwaves of the blast would still be felt in Omagh for the next generation.
And they said all details of the emergency operation and aftermath were being pooled together to provide international assistance to any other part of the world which may be similarly affected in the future.
The vice chairman of Omagh District Council, Ulster Unionist councillor Alan Rainey said he wasn't surprised by the numbers seeking help.
"The town is still very subdued. We still have groups of people visiting Omagh to offer sympathy. They have come from Canada, Germany and France and all had tears in their eyes. How much more difficult is it for the people living here and coping with the memory day and daily?
"Anyone who was in the bomb or had any connection with it, including those who helped afterwards, will have to live with it for the rest of their lives."
Full shocking aftermath of bomb revealed
By William Allen
THE appalling human cost of the Omagh bombing was underlined today when health chiefs revealed that 2,500 people have been treated for problems related to the atrocity.
Medical experts also said that many other people have not yet come forward for treatment.
The disclosure comes as Sperrin Lakeland Trust awaits a decision on its application for millions of pounds to finance the long-term treatment of the bomb victims.
Managers at the Trust today revealed that, in addition to 345 people treated at Tyrone County Hospital, more than 2,000 people have been seen by local GPs since the atrocity on August 15.
The Trust today confirmed that it submitted a detailed business plan to the Department of Health and Social Services late last week.
A spokeswoman admitted that other services were being affected by the need to divert resources towards caring for the bomb victims.
But she said the Trust was confident Secretary of State Mo Mowlam would keep her promise that extra help would be made available.
In an exclusive interview with the Belfast Telegraph today, two leading experts in Omagh also disclose that the impact of the bombing was even more widespread than anticipated.
Both senior managers with Sperrin Lakeland Trust, they predicted that the Shockwaves of the blast would still be felt in Omagh for the next generation.
And they said all details of the emergency operation and aftermath were being pooled together to provide international assistance to any other part of the world which may be similarly affected in the future.
The vice chairman of Omagh District Council, Ulster Unionist councillor Alan Rainey said he wasn't surprised by the numbers seeking help.
"The town is still very subdued. We still have groups of people visiting Omagh to offer sympathy. They have come from Canada, Germany and France and all had tears in their eyes. How much more difficult is it for the people living here and coping with the memory day and daily?
"Anyone who was in the bomb or had any connection with it, including those who helped afterwards, will have to live with it for the rest of their lives."
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0430
Published Date: 24-Sep-98
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