Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

The Pyne Gould Guinness building has been devastated by the quake Mark Mitchell/AP/Press Association Images

Concern for Irish man trapped in earthquake hit building in New Zealand

The man is trapped in a collapsed building in Christchurch. The DFA are seriously concerned about his welfare and that of one other person in New Zealand.

Updated 10.15am

THERE IS CONCERN for an Irish man trapped in a collapsed building in the New Zealand city of Christchurch that was hit by an earthquake earlier this week.

The Irish Consul General in New Zealand, Rodney Walshe, has confirmed to TheJournal.ie this morning that the man is amongst ten people who are believed to be alive but trapped in the collapsed Pyne Gould Guinness building with rescuers working to free them.

The man is said to be a permanent resident who worked in New Zealand. Walshe also reported that two Irish people had been found safe and well yesterday.

So far one Irish man has been confirmed dead following the quake. The Department of Foreign Affairs say they are seriously concerned about the man trapped in the Pyne Gould Guinness building, and one other person who they have no details about.

Owen McKenna from Co Monaghan has been confirmed dead following the quake which has so far claimed the lives of 98 people.

Another Irish person was feared dead yesterday but it later emerged that the man was British and was married to an Irish woman.

See also: Hopes of finding survivors fade, and an ambulanceman recounts his shocking experiences >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Hugh O'Connell
Close
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds