Fire fighters from several stations worked tirelessly for over seven hours to rescue 72 from a slurry pit on a farm in Aghalee, Co Antrim.

The incident occurred on 29 July, with the fire service called at approximately 11.36am and large-animal rescue teams deployed from Newcastle, Omagh and specialist teams from Lurgan and Crumlin fire stations.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) stated that it is the largest animal rescue undertaken by the service.

The team managed to pull 72 pigs weighing roughly 100kg each from the pit, with only two pigs dying during the rescue.

Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and continually monitored gas levels during the rescue.

Farmers are reminded not to attempt rescuing animals by themselves, as slurry gas poses a huge risk to animal and human health.

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