A local community in Co Offaly is left reeling from the death of a father and daughter in a workplace accident.
The two people, who were later named locally as Ioan Chinez, aged in his 50s, and his daughter, Denisa Mihaela, aged in her 20s, with both pronounced dead at the scene of the incident at Banagher Precast Concrete.
It was also reported that the deceased were preparing a concrete mould before the accident took place. Ms Mihaela's mother, who also works at the plant, arrived at the scene quickly, with emergency services called at about 11.40am.
Reports had also indicated that the victims, originally from Romania, had been living and working in Banagher for the last few years.
Gardaí have said in a statement that post mortem examinations would be taking place at Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore, while the coroner and Health and Safety Authority (HSA) were also notified, with the latter releasing this statement.
“The Health and Safety Authority is aware of the fatal incident and has launched an investigation. As such, no further information is available at this time", a spokesperson for the HSA said.
Banagher Precast Concrete also called the incident “a devastating tragedy for everyone connected with our company”, and that their immediate priority was to support the employees' families.
In a statement, the plant called the incident, "unprecedented" and that employee safety “always been a core value and is embedded throughout our daily operations”.
They added that the circumstances surrounding the incident are not yet known, and said they would provide all bodies concerned with the necessary co-operation and assistance as part of the investigation.
Speaking about this to the Irish Independent, Fine Gael TD, John Clendemen said this tragedy has "cast a dark cloud" in Banagher.
“My thoughts are first and foremost with the family and loved ones of those affected at what is an unimaginably difficult time,” he said. “There is a deep sense of shock and sadness across the community, but I know the people of Banagher will rally around all those impacted in the days ahead".
Tony McCormick, Fianna Fáil Offaly TD, said his thoughts are with the victims' family, friends and colleagues.
“My thoughts are first and foremost with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives. I can only imagine the shock and heartbreak they are experiencing today", he said.
“I am also thinking of their friends, work colleagues and the wider Banagher community at this incredibly difficult time. My deepest sympathies go to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.
“People here in Banagher are great for rallying around families to look after them and to be able to do whatever they need in situations like this", he added. “Something like this is not only felt in the workplace and in family, but it’s felt right across the community".
Local Councillor, John Leahy said that the community are in "deep shock", with workers and locals left devastated by this tragic incident.
“The community is in deep shock – to lose two from the one family,” he added. “I drove down myself and there’s just silence there. Everyone is wondering and waiting for the news to break".
“The whole plant has been closed down, and people are saddened for the management, staff and their families who have to grieve this loss".
Independent TD for Offaly, Carol Nolan had said it was a "devastating day" for the friends and families of those who died in this accident. (All quotes according the Irish Independent and RTÉ).
