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Australia
Irishman, 24, killed in Australian gas explosion
An Irish refrigeration mechanic is killed when a gas bottle explodes in his work van in the Australian city of Darwin.
A 24-YEAR-OLD IRISHMAN has been killed in the Australian city of Darwin after a gas bottle exploded in his work van.
Witnesses said the man, a refrigeration mechanic, was getting into his van ready to go to work at 6:30am local time this morning when the explosion occurred.
ABC News cited initial evidence which suggested one gas cylinder had been left open inside the van, and that the cylinder had detonated when the man opened the door to climb in.
The blast also caused major damage to the house the man shared with friends.
Local media reported that windows of houses on the other side of the street had also been blown out by the explosion.
A formal identification on the victim, understood to be from Cavan, has not yet been carried out.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said the Irish embassy in Canberra had been in contact with local police, with a view to providing assistance to the deceased’s family.
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