The father and daughter who died in a workplace incident are to have a joint funeral, it has been confirmed. Mihai Chinez, 49, and his daughter Denisa Mihaela Chinez, 24, from Banagher, Co Offaly, were both killed in an incident at Banagher Precast Concrete just before noon on Monday, September 28.
Victims pictured for first time
The pair, originally from Romania, had settled in Offaly and had been employed at the facility in Banagher for several years. During the incident, they were believed to be working on a concrete mould, reports the Irish Mirror. Their passing has left devastated workmates and the surrounding community reeling, with the firm describing the occurrence as an "unprecedented" and "devastating tragedy."
The funeral announcement on RIP.ie read: "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."
Funeral arrangements announced
"They will be sadly missed and deeply regretted 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 lie in repose at Banagher Community Centre on Wednesday evening between 5pm and 7pm. Their combined funeral Mass is scheduled for Thursday morning at 11.00am in St. Rynagh's Church, Banagher. After the Funeral Mass, Denisa will be interred at St. Rynagh's Cemetery. Mihai's cremation is scheduled for a later time.
Investigation ongoing
Gardaí and emergency personnel arrived at the location at approximately 11.40am, where both Mihai and Denisa were declared deceased. Their remains were transported to Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore for post-mortem examinations.
Banagher Precast Concrete described the occurrence as "a devastating tragedy for everyone connected with our company", noting that staff members were "all in deep shock". In a statement issued to RTÉ News, the firm said its Board of Directors, management team and workforce conveyed their "deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences" to the relatives, friends and work colleagues of the deceased. It called the incident "a devastating tragedy for everyone connected with our company" and stated its foremost concern was providing support to the bereaved families.
The organisation also acknowledged the emergency services and all responders who attended the scene. The full circumstances leading to the incident remain under investigation. Banagher Precast Concrete pledged complete cooperation with all regulatory authorities and committed to furnishing any necessary assistance throughout the enquiry. The firm emphasised that worker safety has consistently been a fundamental principle woven into its everyday practices. The organisation labelled an incident of such magnitude as "unprecedented" and revealed staff members were "all in deep shock".
The firm has requested that the privacy of relatives, friends and workmates of those who died be honoured and confirmed it would not be releasing additional information at present. Fianna Fáil Offaly TD Tony McCormack extended his sympathies in the wake of the devastating news.
"I was deeply saddened to hear the tragic news coming from Banagher, where two lives have been lost in a workplace incident," he told the Irish Independent. "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. 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."
In the meantime, tributes keep pouring in for the unfortunate duo, with one well-wisher posting: "May God strengthen ye and comfort ye at this desperate tragedy time .May they R.I.P," while another mourner commented: "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. Absolutely heartbreaking. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and their colleagues from Banagher Concrete. May they rest in perfect peace."
A fellow mourner penned: "To the family and friends and all who mourn the passing of Mihai and Denisa, please accept our deepest condolences at your huge loss. May God grant you comfort during this most difficult time. May they both fly high with the angels."
