FATE DECIDED WHICH OF THE VICTIMS LIVED AND WHICH DIED
Fate decided which of the victims lived and which died
THE Coroner at the Omagh Inquests compared the scenario of who would die and survive the bomb as "like a lottery."
John Leckey was speaking during the Inquest into the death of 18-year-old Debra-Ann Cartwright, of Birchwood, Omagh who died 20 minutes after arriving at the Tyrone County Hospital.
Evidence was given in the case by Debra-Ann's employer and friend that they were standing together when the bomb went off. Debra-Ann died while Caroline McKinney and her daughter Niamh, albeit injured, survived the blast.
Mr Leckey said throughout the hearings it has become apparent that a lot appeared to be down to chance as to who might live and who might die in the bomb attack.
Debra-Ann's boyfriend of five years, Malcolm Fegan told the hearing that he had last seen his girlfriend on Saturday at midday at the salon where she had a summer job.
The following day he had to go to the temporary morgue at Lisanelly Barracks to identify her body.
Debra-Ann had been working in Caroline's Beauty Salon on the morning of the bomb.
Caroline McKinney said Debra-Ann had opened up the salon as usual on a Saturday and she and her 13 month old daughter, Niamh arrived at about noon.
She said Debra-Ann went to get her cigarettes and a newspaper and she took Niamh with her. When Caroline realised there was a bomb scare, she cleared the salon of customers and went to look for her child and her friend. She met them at the entrance to the Royal Arms and they all made their way to outside McElroy's shoe shop. "As we stood there I recognised all the people who work and have businesses in the area. We were standing side by side laughing and chatting".
After the explosion she saw Debra-Ann lying in a fetal position. She was unconscious but there was no blood.
A post mortem found the cause of her death was due to the injuries from the explosion.
Coroner, Mr Leckey extended his sympathy to the Cartwright family and Debra-Ann's boyfriend, Malcolm Fegan.
THE Coroner at the Omagh Inquests compared the scenario of who would die and survive the bomb as "like a lottery."
John Leckey was speaking during the Inquest into the death of 18-year-old Debra-Ann Cartwright, of Birchwood, Omagh who died 20 minutes after arriving at the Tyrone County Hospital.
Evidence was given in the case by Debra-Ann's employer and friend that they were standing together when the bomb went off. Debra-Ann died while Caroline McKinney and her daughter Niamh, albeit injured, survived the blast.
Mr Leckey said throughout the hearings it has become apparent that a lot appeared to be down to chance as to who might live and who might die in the bomb attack.
Debra-Ann's boyfriend of five years, Malcolm Fegan told the hearing that he had last seen his girlfriend on Saturday at midday at the salon where she had a summer job.
The following day he had to go to the temporary morgue at Lisanelly Barracks to identify her body.
Debra-Ann had been working in Caroline's Beauty Salon on the morning of the bomb.
Caroline McKinney said Debra-Ann had opened up the salon as usual on a Saturday and she and her 13 month old daughter, Niamh arrived at about noon.
She said Debra-Ann went to get her cigarettes and a newspaper and she took Niamh with her. When Caroline realised there was a bomb scare, she cleared the salon of customers and went to look for her child and her friend. She met them at the entrance to the Royal Arms and they all made their way to outside McElroy's shoe shop. "As we stood there I recognised all the people who work and have businesses in the area. We were standing side by side laughing and chatting".
After the explosion she saw Debra-Ann lying in a fetal position. She was unconscious but there was no blood.
A post mortem found the cause of her death was due to the injuries from the explosion.
Coroner, Mr Leckey extended his sympathy to the Cartwright family and Debra-Ann's boyfriend, Malcolm Fegan.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1472
Published Date: 21-Sep-00
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