UPDATE: Firefighters are currently battling a significant blaze at the former Foyle College site in Derry, which ignited yesterday evening. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) received emergency reports at 7:31 PM on Saturday, and multiple units remain on the scene working to control the fire.

Authorities confirm that three fire appliances, including an aerial unit, are actively engaged in suppressing the flames. The situation has prompted urgent warnings for local residents, advising them to keep windows closed and pets indoors due to heavy smoke emanating from the site.

Motorists should note that the Duncreggan Road is currently closed to all traffic as fire crews continue their efforts. This disruption is expected to persist while firefighting operations are underway. Nearby residents are advised to stay informed and follow safety protocols.

Emergency services are working diligently to contain the fire and prevent further spread. No injuries have been reported at this time, but the situation remains fluid as firefighters strive to bring the blaze under control.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with respiratory issues or concerns about smoke exposure to seek shelter and avoid the affected areas. This developing situation highlights the importance of community safety and preparedness during emergencies.

Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available. This incident serves as a reminder of the vital role that emergency services play in protecting our communities.

UPDATE: Authorities are investigating a shocking robbery involving an elderly man in Omagh, Northern Ireland. The incident occurred on July 19, 2025, around 8 PM on Beltany Road, where a significant sum of cash was stolen from the vulnerable victim.

Police have confirmed that the suspect was seen wearing a dark top and grey trousers, walking near the Mellon Country Inn shortly before the robbery. This brazen act has prompted the PSNI to appeal to the public for assistance. They are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen the suspect in the area to come forward.

The PSNI stated that the suspect left the scene in a waiting car, believed to have come from the direction of Omagh. The robbery has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of vulnerable individuals in the community.

Residents and local leaders are expressing their outrage over this crime, emphasizing the need for enhanced protective measures for the elderly. “It’s heartbreaking to see someone so vulnerable targeted in this way,” commented a local community leader.

Authorities are actively pursuing leads and encourage anyone with information to contact them directly at 101. This incident has sparked widespread concern, highlighting the urgent need for community vigilance.

As investigations continue, police are set to increase patrols in the area to ensure the safety of residents. This developing story underscores the importance of community awareness and support for vulnerable individuals amidst growing concerns over crime in the region.

Stay tuned for further updates on this incident as police work to bring the suspect to justice.

BREAKING: Former US President Barack Obama may visit Kilkenny as local officials extend an invitation ahead of his anticipated trip to Ireland in September 2023. This exciting development comes as Obama prepares for a live interview with journalist Fintan O’Toole at Dublin’s 3Arena on September 26.

Local Labour councillor and former Mayor of Kilkenny City, Cllr Sean Ó hArgain, proposed that the council issue a formal invitation to the historic figure, prompting discussions on where Obama could visit if he accepts. “It would be a great honor for Kilkenny to host a former president,” Ó hArgain stated.

This potential visit to Kilkenny is generating buzz in the community, with residents eager to showcase the city’s rich heritage and culture. Local officials are considering various locations that would be meaningful for Obama, who has strong ties to Ireland.

Obama’s trip marks a significant moment, as he will be celebrating his Irish ancestry, drawing attention to the cultural connections between the United States and Ireland. The excitement surrounding his visit is palpable, with many locals already speculating on the venues he should explore.

As the date approaches, Kilkenny residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and suggestions on social media. “If Obama does come to the Marble City, we want to ensure he has an unforgettable experience,” Cllr Ó hArgain added.

This opportunity not only highlights Kilkenny’s appeal but also reinforces the importance of cultural diplomacy. With Obama’s visit, there is hope for increased tourism and interest in local businesses.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and be sure to follow Kilkenny Live for the latest news on Obama’s potential visit and other local events.

UPDATE: A man tragically lost his life after being pulled into an MRI machine while wearing a metal chain on July 16, 2023, at the Nassau Open MRI facility in Westbury, New York. The incident unfolded just after 4:30 p.m., when Keith McAllister, 61, was drawn into the machine’s powerful magnetic field.

His wife, Adrienne Jones-McAllister, was undergoing an MRI for her knee when she requested that Keith assist her afterward. Despite wearing a heavy metallic chain, which he typically used for weight training, Keith was allowed into the scanning room. In a horrifying turn of events, the MRI’s magnetic force violently yanked him towards the machine.

“We were just talking, and in that instant, the machine switched him around, pulled him in, and he hit the MRI,” Adrienne recounted in an interview with News 12 Long Island. Efforts to rescue him were futile, and he was declared dead two days later due to the severity of his injuries.

Authorities report that they received a 911 call about a man suffering a “medical episode” linked to the MRI machine. A physician at the hospital officially confirmed Keith’s passing shortly thereafter.

Adrienne revealed that this was not their first visit to the facility, nor was it the first time staff had seen Keith’s chain. “They had a conversation about it before, ‘Oh, that’s a big chain,’” she stated, expressing her disbelief over the incident.

MRI machines, while critical for diagnostics, pose serious risks due to their intense magnetic fields, which can attract metal objects with extreme force. The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering warns that these magnets are “strong enough to fling a wheelchair across the room.” In regions like the UK and Ireland, strict safety protocols mandate that all metal items, including jewelry and watches, be removed before entering MRI suites.

Adrienne, grappling with the shock of losing her husband, described the moment: “He waved goodbye to me, and his whole body went limp. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the thing.”

The Nassau County Police Department has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. As authorities seek to understand how such a catastrophic incident could occur, questions remain about the safety protocols in place at MRI facilities.

This shocking incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers associated with MRI technology, underscoring the importance of stringent safety measures for patients. As the investigation unfolds, the couple’s community is left to mourn the loss of Keith McAllister, a husband and father taken far too soon.