A father and his daughter have died following a workplace incident at Banagher Precast Concrete in Co Offaly, Ireland. The man, in his 50s, and his daughter, in her 20s, were pronounced dead at the scene shortly before midday on Monday, September 28.
Victims were Romanian employees
The pair are understood to be from Romania and had worked at the Banagher plant for several years. Gardaí and emergency services arrived at the scene at around 11.40am, where the man and woman were pronounced dead, reports the Irish Mirror.
The bodies were transferred to Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore, where post-mortem examinations are due to take place.
Company expresses shock and condolences
Banagher Precast Concrete described the incident as "a devastating tragedy for everyone connected with our company", adding that employees were "all in deep shock". In a statement issued to RTE News, the company said its Board of Directors, management team and staff offered their "deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences" to the families, friends and colleagues of those who perished.
The firm said its immediate priority was providing support to the families of the two employees who died. It also thanked the emergency services and all those who responded to the incident.
Investigation under way
The full circumstances surrounding the incident have yet to be established. The company said it would work fully alongside all statutory bodies and offer whatever support is needed as part of the ongoing investigation. The firm stated that the welfare of its workforce has always been a fundamental value, deeply ingrained within its day-to-day operations.
It described an incident of this magnitude as "unprecedented" for the organisation. The company urged that the privacy of the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives be respected, and confirmed it would not be releasing any further details at this time.
Local TD extends sympathies
Fianna Fáil Offaly TD Tony McCormack extended his condolences following the 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."
