A father and daughter who died in a workplace incident at Banagher Precast Concrete in Co Offaly have been pictured for the first time. Mihai Chinez, 49, and his daughter Denisa Mihaela Chinez, 24, both of Banagher, died following the incident, which occurred before midday on September 28.
Incident at Banagher Precast Concrete
The pair, originally from Romania, had been living in Offaly and working at the plant for a number of years. At the time of the incident, they were understood to be preparing a concrete mould, according to the Irish Mirror.
Gardaí and emergency services rushed to the scene at around 11.40am, and both were pronounced dead. Their bodies were removed to Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore, where post-mortem examinations took place.
Company response and tributes
Banagher Precast Concrete described the incident as “a devastating tragedy for everyone connected with our company” and said employees were “all in deep shock”. In a statement to RTÉ News, the company extended its “deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences” to the families, friends and colleagues of those who died.
The company said its immediate priority was supporting the families of the two employees and expressed gratitude to the emergency services and all those who responded. It said it would cooperate fully with all statutory bodies and provide whatever assistance is required as part of the investigation.
The company described an incident of this severity as “unprecedented” for the organisation and said the safety of its people has always been a core value. It asked that the privacy of the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased be respected and said it will not be providing further details at this time.
Funeral arrangements
In a funeral notice on RIP.ie, it stated: “Mihai Chinez and his daughter Denisa Mihaela Chinez, Banagher, Co. Offaly, and formerly of Romania. Mihai and Denisa passed away suddenly following a tragic accident on 29th September.”
The notice added they will be sadly missed by Mihai’s wife and Denisa’s mother, Angela, Mihai's daughter and Denisa’s sister, Lavinia Alexandra, Denisa’s fiancé, Liviu Blaj, their extended family, neighbours, many friends and work colleagues. “May their gentle souls rest in eternal peace.”
Mihai and Denisa will repose at Banagher Community Centre on Wednesday evening from 5pm until 7pm. Their joint funeral Mass will take place on Thursday morning at 11.00am in St. Rynagh’s Church, Banagher. Following the funeral Mass, Denisa will be laid to rest in St. Rynagh’s Cemetery. Mihai’s cremation will take place at a later date.
Fianna Fáil Offaly TD Tony McCormack offered his condolences, telling the Irish Independent: “I was deeply saddened to hear the tragic news coming from Banagher, where two lives have been lost in a workplace incident. 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.”
Tributes have continued to flow, with one mourner writing: “May God strengthen ye and comfort ye at this desperate tragedy time. May they R.I.P.” Another wrote: “Our deepest condolences to Mihai and Denisa's family and friends on their sudden tragic passing. We cannot begin to understand the pain you're experiencing, but know that the whole town is mourning with you.”
