Two dead as workers 'trapped in trench collapse' on roadside in Co Down

Two dead as workers 'trapped in trench collapse' on roadside in Co Down A huge rescue operation was launched in Crossnacreevy, Co Down, after reports people were 'trapped in a trench' during a workplace accident which left two dead Two people have died in a tragic workplace accident following reports of a number of people being "trapped in a trench". A large rescue operation was launched at around 10:45am this morning as emergency services raced to Crossnacreevy in Co Down, Northern Ireland. The horror unfolded on Ballygowan Road, with police, fire crews and paramedics called to the scene alongside two Hazardous Area Response Teams (Hart). Officers closed off a section of the road between Houston Road and Knockbreda Road, reports Belfast Live. In a statement, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call at 10.45am on Friday. "Multiple emergency resources were sent including three emergency ambulances, and two Hazardous Area Response Teams (Hart)," it said. "No-one was taken from the scene." The Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland said its inspectors were on site investigating the circumstances of the incident. "HSENI is aware of an incident at a workplace in the Crossnacreevy area and inspectors are on site making inquiries into the circumstances," it said. "We are currently liaising with the emergency services and other relevant agencies." East Belfast MP and DUP Leader Gavin Robinson said in a post on social media that two people had died and that Ballygowan Road will remain closed. "Sadly, it has been confirmed that two people have lost their lives following an incident in Crossnacreevy," Mr Robinson said. "My thoughts are with their families and loved ones at this devastating time, and with the emergency services responding to the incident. "Ballygowan Road will remain closed. Please avoid the area and use an alternative route." A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police and other emergency services are currently at the scene of a workplace-related incident on Ballygowan Road, Crossnacreevy. The Health and Safety Executive have been advised." A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said: "The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 10:45 on Friday, 2nd October, following reports of an incident in the Ballygoward Road area, Crossnacreevy. "Multiple emergency resources were sent including 3 Emergency Ambulances, and 2 HART Teams. No one was taken from the scene." Two fire appliances from Knock Fire Station, one from Carryduff, one from Cadogan Fire Station and two specialist rescue teams were all in attendance as the rescue operation was underway, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said. A spokesperson added: "Firefighters were called to reports of a rescue incident on Ballygowan Road, Crossnacreevy, Carryduff, Down. This incident is ongoing."