Two Workers Die in County Down Trench Collapse
Two men died in County Down on Friday when a trench they were working in collapsed, prompting a multi-agency emergency response on the Ballygowan Road in Crossnacreevy.
Emergency Services Response and Scene Investigation
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service received a call about a rescue incident involving a trench collapse at 10.49am on Friday, deploying four vehicles and three specialist teams that remained at the location until 2.46am on Saturday. Multiple emergency resources arrived at the scene, including three emergency ambulances, two hazardous area response teams, and an air ambulance. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed that no-one was taken from the scene. The Police Service of Northern Ireland stated that the deaths are not being treated as suspicious at this time, and officers continue to work closely with the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) to investigate the circumstances of the incident. HSENI inspectors attended the site on Friday to make inquiries while liaising with emergency services and other relevant agencies.
Political Reaction and Community Impact
Local political figures expressed shock and offered condolences following the tragedy in the close-knit community. DUP leader Gavin Robinson stated on social media that it had been confirmed two people lost their lives, adding that his thoughts were with their families and loved ones. Ulster Unionist MLA Kathryn Owen described the event as a tragic incident in a close-knit area, paying tribute to the emergency services and specialist rescue teams for responding to an extremely difficult situation. Alliance Party MLA Peter McReynolds also voiced his shock over the significant incident, urging the public to avoid the Ballygowan Road to allow emergency services to carry out their work.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Crossnacreevy Incident
What time did emergency services arrive at the Ballygowan Road site?
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received an emergency call at 10.45am on Friday, while the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service was called to the trench collapse at 10.49am.
Which agencies are investigating the workplace deaths?
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is working closely with the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland as inquiries into the circumstances of the collapse continue.
Were any survivors rescued from the collapsed trench?
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed that multiple emergency resources attended, including hazardous area response teams and an air ambulance, but no-one was taken from the scene.
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