BREAKING: A man in his 60s has tragically died following a devastating house fire in Hollyhill, County Cork early this morning. Emergency services, including Gardaí and the Cork City Fire Brigade, rushed to the scene after the alarm was raised at approximately 12:45 AM on July 21.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene, marking a heartbreaking loss for the community. Another resident, a woman also in her 60s, was taken to Cork University Hospital for treatment of injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

The fire has since been extinguished, and authorities have preserved the scene for a thorough investigation. A technical examination will be conducted to determine the cause of the fire. The local coroner has been notified, and a post-mortem examination for the deceased is set to be arranged shortly.

Authorities are currently conducting inquiries to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by house fires, and community safety remains a top priority for local officials.

As investigations continue, residents are urged to ensure their homes are equipped with functioning smoke alarms and fire safety measures.

UPDATE: A man in his 60s has tragically died following a house fire in Hollyhill, Co Cork, late last night. The incident occurred around 12:45 AM at a residence in the Ardcullen residential development, prompting immediate response from emergency services.

According to officials, as firefighters from the Cork City Fire Brigade extinguished the blaze, they found the man unresponsive inside the home. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A woman in her 60s, who managed to escape with the help of neighbors, was rushed to Cork University Hospital for treatment of injuries that are reportedly “not life-threatening.”

Victor Shine, Second Officer of the Cork City Fire Brigade, confirmed that the call came in at 00:42 AM. “When crews arrived, one person was out of the house and being tended to by neighbours,” he stated. “Upon entering the property, resuscitation efforts were made for the second male, but sadly he did not survive.”

The scene is currently sealed off as investigations continue, with a technical examination set to be conducted to determine the cause of the fire. A post-mortem examination will also be carried out, and local authorities have been notified.

In a separate incident, authorities are investigating the death of a 77-year-old man, Gus Dempsey, who was found on a road in Bandon, Co Cork, earlier this morning. At approximately 6:30 AM, a passerby discovered Dempsey’s body next to his bicycle. Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene, and a post-mortem examination is pending.

Dempsey’s passing comes just months after he lost his home in a fire, highlighting a tragic series of events for the retired farmer. After the previous fire, he had been living with a neighbor while awaiting emergency accommodation approval from Cork County Council.

Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding Dempsey’s death or those who observed a male cycling in the Kildarra area during the early hours to come forward. Gardaí are particularly interested in any dash-cam footage from road users in the vicinity. Witnesses can contact Bandon Garda Station at 023 885 2200 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

As investigations into both incidents unfold, local communities are left in shock, grappling with the loss and the urgent need for answers. Stay tuned for further updates on these developing stories.

UPDATE: A catastrophic flash flood has hit Dromcollogher on the Cork-Limerick border, leaving the community in turmoil. The severe downpour, which struck around 7 PM on October 15, 2023, inundated the area with at least two feet of water, making roads impassable and resulting in significant damage to homes.

Emergency services sprang into action as the intense rainfall lasted for approximately two hours, causing widespread chaos. Local council leader, Cllr Michael Collins, reported that access to the village was cut off from 9 PM Sunday night, with estimates indicating up to 20 homes may have been affected. “It’s shocking,” Collins expressed, recalling the calm before the storm just hours earlier.

The Limerick City and County Council confirmed that emergency operations commenced shortly after receiving distress calls. Road teams, bolstered by three fire crews from nearby towns, worked tirelessly to distribute sandbags to protect vulnerable properties. Local farmers received support as water pumps were deployed to mitigate the flooding’s impact.

As the situation unfolded, a coordinated pumping operation was established to lower water levels surrounding the Dromcollogher Respite Centre. Thankfully, water levels began to recede naturally, allowing fire crews to stand down by 2 AM on October 16, 2023. Nevertheless, council staff remain in the area to continue assessing the situation and provide assistance.

All roads are now reported to be open, but motorists are urged to exercise caution while navigating the affected areas. Cllr Collins revealed that he has contacted Intreo services in hopes of designating impacted streets, such as Woodfield, for humanitarian aid. He emphasized the need for residents to apply for assistance as the community begins to recover.

While temporary accommodation has not been deemed necessary due to the swift receding of floodwaters, the emotional toll on residents is palpable. Many are left grappling with the aftermath of the unprecedented flooding. “We have seen unprecedented levels of rain in a short period of time. The area just couldn’t take it,” Collins added, reflecting the community’s shock.

Residents and those needing support are encouraged to reach out to Limerick City and County Council at 061 556000 for assistance.

This urgent situation is still developing. Stay tuned for further updates as the Dromcollogher community begins the daunting cleanup process in the wake of this devastating flash flooding.

UPDATE: A man in his thirties has been hospitalized following a serious road traffic incident in Croagh, Limerick, just after 5 PM yesterday evening. The motorist is currently receiving treatment for serious, but non-life threatening injuries, according to Gardaí and emergency services on the scene.

The collision involved two vehicles, including a van, which reportedly overturned. Fortunately, the vehicles did not collide with each other, but both were severely damaged in the incident. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as emergency crews rushed to assist those involved.

Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. As of now, details remain limited, but officials are expected to provide further updates as the investigation unfolds.

This incident raises concerns about road safety in the area, and local residents are urged to remain vigilant. The community is rallying support for the injured motorist, hoping for a swift recovery.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.