One dead, one in critical condition after industrial accident in Dublin
A workman has died and another is in a crtical condition after being overcome by fumes while working in a sewer in Portmarnock.
The Health and Safety Authority had earlier reported that both men had died.
The men, employees of the drainage and cleaning company DrainTech, were working up to 20ft below ground in the Drumnigh area of Portmarnock, Co Dublin when the accident happened.
The DrainTech employees are believed to be in their 40s.
Three members of Dublin Fire Brigade were treated following the rescue efforts, two as a precaution for noxious gases and one who suffered a minor injury in the operation.
We are currently attending a serious industrial incident in Portmarnock. 3 Appliances, 3 DFB ambulance and our APs pic.twitter.com/O0FwNLcSSE
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) June 10, 2015
Dublin Fire Brigade later said its three crew who were taken to hospital were expected to make a full recovery.
It said it was alerted to the accident at 2.30pm and dispatched three appliances, three ambulances and an advanced paramedic unit to the suburb.
Two inspectors from the HSA were also sent to the scene and an investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
It is understood one of the men was pronounced dead after being taken from the sewer by the fire crews.
Alan Farrell, local Fine Gael TD, extended his condolences on social media.
“My thoughts with those involved in an industrial accident in Portmarnock this afternoon,” he said.
Fire crews reported the difficulty of the conditions that they were working in, a confined space, below ground and at risk of dangerous gases.
The drainage and sewer clearance team were working on pipes in a housing estate in Portmarnock.
The DrainTech company operates mostly in the Dublin region and has been in business for more than 20 years offering services from unblocking sinks and toilets to CCTV camera inspections, clearing septic tanks and grease traps with staff qualified in confined space and deep manhole entry.
