Ireland

Man killed in workplace incident while clearing rock in Donegal named locally as Stephen Montgomery (43)

Irish Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal requested to attend scene in Bloody Forelands area of Bunbeg

Stephen Montgomery, who died in an explosion in Donegal. Photograph: Joe Boland
Stephen Montgomery, who died in an explosion in Donegal. Photograph: Joe Boland
Stephen Maguire
Mon May 29 2023 - 15:59

A man killed in a workplace explosion in Co Donegal has been named locally as 43-year-old Stephen Montgomery.

He was working breaking up rock while working at a house at a site at Bloody Forelands in Gaoth Dobhair earlier on Monday when the incident occurred. It is understood that Mr Montgomery was operating machinery when an explosion happened.

Mr Montgomery, a married man with one adult child, was from the nearby seaside village area of Dunfanaghy.

The emergency services rushed to the scene while gardaí sealed off the area. The Health and Safety Authority also confirmed that they were aware of the incident and had sent investigators to the site.

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Members of the Irish Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal were also requested to attend the scene. Gardaí 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 is due to take place.

Army explosive experts at the scene of an explosion in Donegal in which a man died. Photograph: NW Newspix
Army explosive experts at the scene of an explosion in Donegal in which a man died. Photograph: NW Newspix

Exact details of what happened have not yet been released. It is understood that two other men were working at the site when the incident occurred, but neither was injured.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí are currently at the scene of an apparent explosion at a location on the outskirts of Bunbeg, Co. Donegal this afternoon Monday, 29th May, 2023. An Garda Síochána has evacuated the surrounding area and the Irish Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal has been requested.”

Meanwhile, a minute’s silence was held at today’s meeting of Donegal County Council in honour of the man who died.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Liam Blaney offered his condolences to the bereaved man’s family.