Nine-year-old killed in Irish quarry

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has begun an investigation into the death of a nine-year-old boy, who was killed in a quarry accident in Donegal yesterday (Wednesday).

The boy, Joseph McDevitt from Annagry in Donegal, was at the quarry near Annagry, West Donegal, with his father, who was making a delivery at the time.

It is understood he was standing beside a load of stones that were about to be moved, when they collapsed on him.

The accident occurred at around 6pm and the child was pronounced dead at the scene. The owner of the quarry was also injured when he tried to help the boy and was taken to Letterkenny General Hospital where he was treated for broken bones.

This is the fifth quarry-related death so far this year. Last year, no fatalities occurred in this sector.
In response to this, the HSA had held a Quarry Safety Week just last week where increased inspections were carried out. One quarry, also in Donegal, was shut down due to concerns over safety.