Two people have died in a workplace accident in Crossnacreevy, Co Down, after reports of people being "trapped in a trench".
A large rescue operation was launched at around 10:45am on Friday, 2 October, with emergency services racing to Ballygowan Road. Police, fire crews and paramedics attended the scene, alongside two Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART).
Emergency response and road closure
Officers closed off a section of the road between Houston Road and Knockbreda Road. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call at 10:45am on Friday.
"Multiple emergency resources were sent including three emergency ambulances, and two Hazardous Area Response Teams (Hart)," it said. "No-one was taken from the scene."
Investigation launched
The Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) said its inspectors were on site investigating the circumstances of the incident. "HSENI is aware of an incident at a workplace in the Crossnacreevy area and inspectors are on site making inquiries into the circumstances," it said. "We are currently liaising with the emergency services and other relevant agencies."
East Belfast MP and DUP Leader Gavin Robinson confirmed in a social media post that two people had died and that Ballygowan Road will remain closed. "Sadly, it has been confirmed that two people have lost their lives following an incident in Crossnacreevy," he said. "My thoughts are with their families and loved ones at this devastating time, and with the emergency services responding to the incident. Ballygowan Road will remain closed. Please avoid the area and use an alternative route."
Fire service attendance
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police and other emergency services are currently at the scene of a workplace-related incident on Ballygowan Road, Crossnacreevy. The Health and Safety Executive have been advised."
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said two fire appliances from Knock Fire Station, one from Carryduff, one from Cadogan Fire Station and two specialist rescue teams were in attendance as the rescue operation was underway. A spokesperson added: "Firefighters were called to reports of a rescue incident on Ballygowan Road, Crossnacreevy, Carryduff, Down. This incident is ongoing."
