RESCUE WORKERS AT Lisheen Mine in county Tipperary continue to work for the safe recovery of the remains of Mario Francis, who died during a partial collapse on Thursday afternoon.

The married father-of-two was killed after becoming trapped in his vehicle during a rockfall at about 4.40pm. He was the driver of a loader at the mine. The Philippines native, who was in his 40s, had worked at the facility for more than 12 years.

A spokesperson for the company told TheJournal.ie today that the ongoing work to recover his body has made “good progress”.

“The plan implemented yesterday should put us in a position of knowing when we we be able to recover the remains by tomorrow afternoon.”

A further statement is expected from the firm tomorrow.

Yesterday, trade union Siptu offered its support and sympathy to the Francis family.

“Mario’s death has left his work colleagues in shock and underlines the dangerous nature of work underground,” said organiser for the sector, John Regan.

An investigation into the incident has begun and the mine will be closed until further notice. Management said there were no other people involved.

The mine has operated since 1997 and claims to be one of the largest producers of zinc concentrates in Europe. Some 370 people are employed there.

Read: Man who died after partial collapse at Tipperary mine named as Mario Francis