A man who sustained extensive burn and blast injuries in an industrial accident at the Stryker plant in Carraigtwohill, Co Cork in April has died in hospital.
It is understood that employees of Stryker in Cork were informed of the death of 41-year-old John Murphy this morning. In their staff briefing, Stryker described Mr Murphy ‘as a friend to many and a valued colleague." They offered their heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.
The family of Mr Murphy, contacted the Neil Prendeville show on Cork's Red FM in the aftermath of the incident in April.
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They released a statement in which they said that they were writing with a "heavy heart" after their family received the "worst news" of an accident at the plant in Anngrove, Carrigtwohill.
"A close family member was the chap who was very seriously injured during the incident and he has sustained massive burns.
"Though, I cannot divulge any specific personal information, I would like to ask the good people of Cork and beyond, for their heartfelt prayers.
"He is a kind, mild mannered family man, 41 years old, with a loving wife, a baby, a young child and a stepson - who are his world. He was living the perfect life until 1 o’clock, yesterday.
"His devoted parents, wife and siblings are devastated and keeping vigil at the hospital. He was in surgery until late last night and is on life support."
The statement added that they were "heartbroken" at this shocking turn of events.
The incident occurred at the premises of the medical equipment manufacturer in the east of the county at 1.09pm on April 18th. (Tues) Two men suffered burns while working on the roof when a mini explosion occurred. John Murphy was seriously injured.
Three units of the Cork County Fire Service attended at the scene alongside the emergency services and members of Stryker's trained fire fighting force. Gardai were also in attendance. They had received a 999 call in relation to the incident.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is continuing to investigate to the incident. It is understood that workers were evacuated from the building. An inquest is expected to be heard later this year in relation to the tragedy.
Stryker, which employs a around 4,000 at six locations in Cork, established a base in Cork in 1998. The US multinational medical company was named Cork company of the year in February of this year at a function in Cork City Hall. Cork is a manufacturing, supply chain and R and D hub for Stryker.
Following the accident Stryker issued a statement in which it expressed its commitment to a "safe and healthy work environment at all of their facilities." The company is working closely with the authorities to investigate the incident.
Two years ago the Irish Examiner revealed that six Stryker workers from three sites in East Cork made a protected disclosure to the HSA in 2020 in which they listed safety concerns.
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