Popular businessman dies after fall

Rodney Edwards • Published 4 Feb 2010 15:06

A man in his seventies has died after falling from a forklift truck in Ballinamallard.

The man, who has been named locally as Norman Hanna, was working at Walter Campbell's Joinery yard when the accident occurred at around 2pm on Wednesday.

It's understood Mr. Hanna, a local electrician, was installing wires when he fell out of the forklift safety cage and onto the ground.

He was rushed to the Erne Hospital where he later died.

The popular businessman was the proprietor of Hanna's Electrical Shop in Enniskillen and was well known throughout Fermanagh.

Local councillor Bertie Kerr who knew Mr. Hanna for over 50 years, said he's finding his tragic death "extremely difficult" to comprehend.

"I can't believe what has happened, I really can't. Everyone is in an awful state about it. It's a total tragedy. Norman would have been a regular church-goer, good craic and fun to be around. He was always good company and could give as good as he got. For a man of his experience to die in this way is absolutely devastating. He brought so much to society and will be sorely missed by all." he said.

And Mr. Kerr's Ulster Unionist colleague Tom Elliott also paid tribute to Mr. Hanna.

"His death has come as a massive shock to the entire area. Norman has been on the go for a long time, everyone would know him about the county. He was a very experienced electrician all his life. I remember him doing the electrics around our house when I was a cub. He was very well liked, very respected and very popular. His death is clearly a huge tragedy and has shocked the entire community. It is absolutely devastating and our deepest thoughts are with his family at this time." he said.

Police say they will prepare a report for the Coroner and that the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 04 Feb 10

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