Fire crews tackle factory blaze

More than 80 firefighters have dealt with a large fire at a factory in County Londonderry.

The blaze broke out at the Sperrin Metal's manufacturing facility in Draperstown at 2100 GMT on Thursday.

It is understood one person collapsed and died at the scene but the death is not thought to have been caused by the fire. No one else was injured.

Fire officer Ian Doyle said the man was one of 13 workers who left the plant safely when it was evacuated.

"They all left the building safely following the fire drill procedure that was operated," he said.

"A short time later whilst standing outside with his work colleagues he collapsed and died at the scene despite the efforts of firefighters who were responding to the fire.

"They rendered first aid but unfortunately it was not successful."

He added the early indications were that the fire was started accidentally and that about 40% of the factory had been extensively damaged.