Two men who died following a workplace incident in Northern Ireland have been formally named as Joseph Hibbs, 23, from the Comber area, and Mark Glover, 38, from Ballygowan.
The incident took place in the Ballygowan Road area of Crossnacreevy, County Down, on Friday morning. A large emergency services presence was sent to the scene, but the two men were pronounced dead despite their best efforts.
Investigation underway
The Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland is investigating the incident, which reportedly saw a number of people being "trapped in a trench". The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the deaths are not being treated as suspicious at this time.
A PSNI spokesperson said: "The deaths are not being treated as suspicious at this time – and our sympathies remain with all those affected by this tragic incident. We continue to work closely with the Health and Safety Executive and others, as enquiries into the circumstances of what happened continue."
Emergency response
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call at 10.45am on Friday. A spokesperson said: "Multiple emergency resources were sent including three emergency ambulances, and two Hazardous Area Response Teams (Hart)." They added: "No-one was taken from the scene."
The Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland said its inspectors were on site on Friday, making inquiries into the circumstances, Belfast Live reports. "We are currently liaising with the emergency services and other relevant agencies," they added.
Community reaction
In a social media post, DUP leader Gavin Robinson said: "Sadly, it has been confirmed that two people have lost their lives following an incident at Crossnacreevy. My thoughts are with their families and loved ones at this devastating time and with the emergency services responding to the incident."
Ulster Unionist Kathryn Owen described it as a "tragic incident" in a "close knit community". She said: "I know this will have caused enormous shock and sadness, both locally and across the wider area. I also want to pay tribute to our emergency services and specialist rescue teams, who have responded to an incredibly difficult situation. As always, they have shown great professionalism and dedication. My thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragedy."
