LAST UPDATE | 30 May 2023

A MAN WHO was killed in a workplace accident in Gaoth Dobhair, Co Donegal, yesterday has been named as Stephen Montgomery.

It is understood that Stephen was clearing rocks in the Bloody Forelands area of Bunbeg when he was struck by a rock.

A Garda spokesperson has said gardaí “continue to investigate all the circumstances surrounding an explosion in Brinlack, near Bunbeg”.

The Irish Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal attended the scene of the incident yesterday and have since declared the area as safe. 

Father Brian O’Fearraigh, who administered last rites to Stephen while waiting for emergency services, told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that the feeling in the community “is of numbness and shock”.

“News continues to trickle through about the tragedy that occurred and the untimely death of a construction worker in our community.”

“There’s a sense of sadness and sorrow and our hearts go out to this gentleman’s family, his colleagues, his workmates, his community as well as his extended family, and we offer our deepest sympathies and our heartfelt condolences to all of them,” he said.

It’s understood that Stephen was 43-years-old and a married man from the nearby seaside village area of Dunfanaghy.

Gardai evacuated the area of Stephen’s death yesterday and also closed roads leading to the scene of the explosion.

These road closures remain in place this morning and the scene remains preserved for a technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau. 

Stephen’s body has been removed to Letterkenny University Hospital where a post-mortem is due to take place later.

Two other men were working in the area at the time, but it is not known if they were injured.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has confirmed they are aware of the incident.

The HSA has launched an investigation and sent investigators to the site.

With reporting from Jamie McCarron