A father and daughter who were killed in a workplace incident in Banagher, Co Offaly, on Monday have been named as Mihai Chinez (49) and Denisa Chinez (24).
Gardaí and emergency services responded to the incident at Banagher Precast Concrete at about 11.40am.
It is understood the pair were pronounced dead at the scene.
It is understood they were from Romania but had lived and worked in the locality for many years. The woman’s mother and boyfriend also work in Banagher Precast Concrete, according to locals.
It is understood the deceased were preparing a concrete mould at the time of the incident.
The company is a manufacturer of precast and prestressed concrete products.
It operates from a 50-acre facility in Offaly alongside a secondary manufacturing site in Norfolk in England, employing more than 250 staff.
The company said in a statement: “The Board of Directors, management team and employees of Banagher Precast Concrete extend their deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who have lost their lives.
“This is a devastating tragedy for everyone connected with our company and our immediate priority is supporting the families of our colleagues and ensuring they receive every assistance and support available during this unimaginably difficult time.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the emergency services and all those who responded to the incident for their professionalism, compassion and assistance.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are not yet fully known, the relevant authorities have been notified and a full investigation will ensue to establish the facts. Banagher Precast Concrete will cooperate fully with all statutory bodies and will continue to provide every assistance required as part of the investigation process.”
John Leahy, chairperson of the Birr Municipal District and a local independent councillor, said there is a “deep sense of shock” in the local community.
“There’s a quietness around Banagher at the moment and people are grappling with what has happened. Any tragedy is devastating but to have a father and daughter working in the same place and being tragically killed in an accident, and then to compound that the mother and the wife would have been working in the plant as well at the time.
“People are waiting and they want to help but there’s so much unknown at the moment.”
He said the local community was ready to offer help, “if the call comes, we’re just waiting to see what needs to be done”.
Leahy said there was also deep concern for colleagues of the deceased who witnessed the accident.
“The other side of it too is that there would have been a lot of staff and workers that have been on the ground the minute the accident happened. There’s a lot of concern about them as well and their mental and physical health in terms of seeing such a tragedy.
“There’s a lot going on on the ground in Banagher at the moment, a lot of people directly and indirectly affected.”
Leahy said the sense of shock in the community is exacerbated by the fact that many people have worked, or know people who worked, at Banagher Precast Concrete.
A spokesman for the HSA said: “The Health and Safety Authority is aware of the fatal incident and has launched an investigation. As such, no further information is available at this time.”
Fianna Fáil Offaly TD Tony McCormack said: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic news coming from Banagher … where two people have lost their lives following a workplace incident.
“My thoughts are first and foremost with the family members and loved ones of the man and woman who tragically lost their lives.
“I am also thinking of their friends, work colleagues and everyone at Banagher Precast Concrete, as well as the wider Banagher community, at what is an incredibly difficult and shocking time.
“My deepest sympathies go to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.”