BRIDGE WORKER IS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN HORROR ACCIDENT

A WORKER on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy bridge was seriously injured in an horrific accident on Wednesday night which saw him suffer a serious chest injury.

The Italian man is understood to have been working with cables at 8.15 p.m. when one punctured his chest. The accident occurred in close proximity to some co-workers who quickly reported the incident.

There was grave concern for the man who is believed to have suffered a punctured lung and other injuries. He was rushed by ambulance to University Hospital Waterford’s Intensive Care Unit where he was treated.

Gardaí arrived from New Ross and preserved the scene until Health & Safety

Authorty officials arrived to carry out an investigation.

Works ground to a halt on the bridge on Thursday as the investigation was carried out.

A spokesperson for Transport Infrastructure Ireland said they are aware that an incident occurred in which a member of the site team was injured and was subsequently removed to hospital.

‘On behalf of the project, all at TII would like to wish the injured man a speedy recovery. The N25 New Ross Bypass scheme is being delivered under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) mechanism.

Under the PPP contract, responsibility for Health & Safety during the Construction phase rests with the contractor – in this case New Ross Joint Venture (NRJV). The incident on November 13 was handled in accordance with the contractor’s Health & Safety procedures including notification to the Health & Safety Authority. All stakeholders on the project continue to work towards completion of the scheme and wishes that all those working on site keep safe as the works draw towards a conclusion.’

A spokesperson for the PPP company BAM Iridium said: ‘An incident occurred on the N25 New Ross Bypass. An operative working for a specialist sub-contractor was injured and was taken to hospital. His condition is described as comfortable and the incident is under investigation. Whilst continue putting the emphasis on making the site safe for everyone, we hope for the prompt recovery of our colleague.’