Tributes for Ballymena accident victim

A BALLYMENA man who died following a “freak accident” at his work was just a year away from retirement.

Tributes have poured in for Trevor Allen, from the Galgorm area of the town, who passed away yesterday morning.

Mr Allen, 63, worked at the JTI Plant in Lisnafillan for over 30 years.

He has been described as “a lovely family man” who worked hard all his life.

It is understood the father-of-two was servicing a piece of machinery on Monday when he was crushed by a robotic arm at the plant, formerly known as Gallhers cigarette factory.

Ballymena councillor Jimmy McClean, who knew Mr Allen personally, said his loss was “a tragedy”.

He told the News Letter: “It’s just so tragic to think that Trevor had only a year or so to go before retiring when this terrible, terrible accident happened.

“I’m so sorry for his family and my prayers are with them at this awful time.

“For this to happen to someone who has gone to work to make a living is a tragedy. And I’m sure he was so looking forward to his retirment.

“Trevor was such a lovely family man and a hard worker. He was a good man.”

Mr Allen was taken to the Ulster Hospital following the accident where his condition was described as critical all week. It is understood he was kept on a life support machine while the family waited for one of his two sons to fly home to Ballymena from Australia.

Mr Allen’s managing director at the factory Robert Bisaillon also paid tribute to the “popular” and “valued member” of the workforce.

He said: “On behalf of JTI/Gallaher and all of Trevor’s colleagues at the Lisnafillan factory we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to his wife, his two sons and his extended family.

“Trevor spent 33 years with us and was a popular and valued member of the team and he will be deeply missed by all. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family at this time.”

Earlier this week, the Health and Safety Executive of Northern Ireland announced that an investigation into Mr Allen’s death was underway.

Meanwhile, Ballymena mayor councillor Hubert Nicholl said the JTI Plant always had “an excellent record for health and safety”.

Paying respects to Mr Allen, he said: “The factory has always prided itself on safety. This was obvuiously a freak accident and it must be devastating for Mr Allen’s family. I would extend my deepest sympathies to the whole family circle and let them know that my thoughts and prayers are with them.”

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