Boy, 3, dies in freak accident

THREE separate investigations have begun into what appears to have been a freak accident that claimed the life of a three-year-old boy at Drogheda Port yesterday.

The family of the youngster, who was from the nearby coastal village of Clogherhead, was distraught last night.

The accident happened about noon at the town quays section of the port. The boy was there in the company of an adult.

Exactly what happened is under investigation but it appears the child may have been hit by a timber pole.

A source said “this was a freak tragic accident” and dismissed any suggestions that a ship was being off-loaded at the time.

Drogheda gardaí, the Drogheda Port Company and the Health and Safety Authority have each begun investigations into the circumstances of the accident.

A garda spokesman said: “The child sustained injuries and died as a result of them. We have the area sealed off, this was a tragic and freak accident.”

The boy was taken by ambulance to Our Lady of Lourdes hospital but died a short time later.

Harbour Master Martin Donnelly said: “There was a very tragic accident involving the fatality of a minor on the port estate,” and that is being investigated by the Drogheda Port company.

An inspector from the Health and Safety Authority visited the site yesterday afternoon and Garda investigators also examined the scene.

The boy was from a large extended family.