An investigation has been launched after a man was killed yesterday in a horrific workplace explosion.
Stephen Montgomery, who was 43, was clearing rocks in the Bloody Forelands area of Bunbeg, Co Donegal, when the fatal incident occurred. The victim, who was a married man with one grown-up child, was from the nearby seaside village area of Dunfanaghy.
He was working at a house at a site at in Gaoth Dobhair when tragedy struck. It is understood Mr Montgomery was operating machinery when the explosion occurred.
Read more: Gardai arrest pair after major car chase over three Dublin motorways
The emergency services rushed to the scene while gardai sealed off the area. The Health and Safety Authority confirmed it had been made aware of the incident and said it had sent investigators to the scene.
Members of the Irish Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal were also requested to attend. Gardai evacuated the area and also closed roads leading to the scene of the explosion.
Mr Montgomery’s body was later removed to Letterkenny University Hospital where a postmortem examination is due to take place. The exact details of how the tragedy occurred have not yet been released but will be the subject of the Garda and HSE inquiries.
It is understood two other men were working at the site when the incident happened. However, both of these men escaped injury.
A Garda spokesperson confirmed they are investigating the incident. The source said: “Officers are currently at the scene of an apparent explosion at a location on the outskirts of Bunbeg, Co Donegal, this afternoon.
“An Garda Siochana has evacuated the surrounding area and the Irish Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal has been requested. The road is currently closed and local diversions are in place. The Health and Safety Authority have been notified.”
Read more: Seven families lose homes after 'terrifying' fire at apartments complex in Blanchardstown
Meanwhile, a minute’s silence was held at yesterday’s meeting of Donegal County Council in honour of the man who lost his life in the tragedy. Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Liam Blaney offered his condolences to the family of Mr Montgomery.
READ NEXT:
- Man charged after suspect device causes Tallaght garda station evacuation
- Social welfare Ireland: Payment dates shake-up due to June Bank Holiday
- 'I was a frontline worker during Covid- now I'm sleeping in my car'
- Motorcyclist dies following crash in Meath
Ronan Keating shares he's getting a vasectomy after previous setback
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
