Two killed as trench collapses during road work on Ballygowan Road in Northern Ireland
Two workers died when a trench gave way during road works on Ballygowan Road in Crossnacreevy, Co. Down, with several others still trapped.
Around 11 am, a trench supporting earthworks on Ballygowan Road in Crossnacreevy, County Down, collapsed, killing two workers and leaving several people trapped beneath the debris. Emergency services, including the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, firefighters and police, arrived quickly and have kept the scene secured, with the road closed to traffic in both directions. Firefighters are employing specialist rescue gear to reach those still buried, while the Police Service of Northern Ireland urges drivers to use alternative routes.
DUP MP Gavin Robinson posted condolences for those affected and confirmed the closure. The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland has dispatched inspectors to assess the circumstances and is coordinating with other agencies, though further comment is pending.
Why it matters
The tragedy underscores construction safety hazards and may lead to tighter trench-work regulations.
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