McGrath Hopes for Successful Outcome to Mountain Rescue.
SDLP MLA Colin McGrath has said he hopes there is a positive outcome to the major incident taking place in the Mourne Mountains.
Commenting the South Down MLA said: “There are suggestions that up to 70 walkers may be involved in the incident currently taking place in the mountains.
“Up to a dozen emergency vehicles from different services have passed through the Main Street of Newcastle en route to the incident.
“An emergency helicopter has been overhead too.
“Such an incident will surely highlight the need for extreme caution when walking in the mountains especially on days such as today when weather conditions have been atrocious on street/town level never mind up in the mountains.
“I wish all involved a safe resolution to the incident and hope that no one is seriously injured as a result.”
So far 17 ambulances and four helicopters have attended the scene. The main area of activity is based at Annalong around the Head Road where the emergency crews and vehicles are accessing the Mournes. It is understood that 63 army cadets with seven of their leaders were caught out in horrendous weather conditions.Some cadets have already been taken away for medical attention.
