Updated 6.05pm
A MAN HAS died in an industrial accident at the Corrib gas tunnel in Aughoose near Ballina in county Mayo this morning.
An investigation is underway into what is being treated as an accident after the man sustained head injuries while working as part of the maintenance support crew.
It is understood a tunnel boring machine was being used in the gas tunnel at the time. The incident occurred at the front end of the tunnel, about 1.8 km under.
The man was pronounced dead at the surface and his remains transferred to Castlebar Hospital. He is a German national, thought to be in his mid-20s, who had worked in the tunnel ‘on and off’ for the subcontractor Herrenknecht since November 2012.
The incident happened just before 9am this morning, according to a statement from Wayss & Freytag and BAM Civil who have been working on the tunnel.
Wayss & Freytag and BAM Civil said in a joint statement: “Operations were immediately suspended at the tunneling site and a full coordinated investigation has been launched into the incident.”
The two companies expressed “their sincere condolences to the family of the deceased”. It added that details will be released when next of kin have been informed.
Shell E&P also issued a statement of sincere condolences on behalf of the Corrib Partners. It said it was co-operating with all probes into the death, which are currently underway on site.
Construction work on the tunnel has been suspended and support will be provided to staff and contractors who are “so deeply shocked and saddened by today’s tragic incident”.
A garda spokesperson said officers at Belmullet Garda station are investigating the incident.
A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Authority said investigators at the scene.
First published 1.02pm
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