Rescuers in frantic efforts to reach trapped Irishman

A 40-YEAR-OLD Co Kerry man is among the people still trapped in a building which collapsed in Tuesday’s earthquake, in Christchurch, New Zealand.

JJ O’Connor, from Abbeydorney, had moved to New Zealand from London with his wife and two-year- old son last September and had started work as an accountant in the Pyne Gold Guinness (PGG) building before Christmas.

He was working in the building when it collapsed in the earthquake.

His mother, Sheila, lives in Abbeydorney and he has two brothers and two sisters.

Mr O’Connor’s wife is expecting their second child in May.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is in contact with his family and there are unconfirmed reports he has been in contact with rescue workers who were still trying to reach him and other people in the building last night.

Members of the missing man’s family in Abbeydorney said they remained hopeful and are praying for his safety. They are in contact with his wife, who is at the PGG Building.

There was good news for a Limerick family.

Orla Carroll from Cregane, near Charleville, was at work in the Central Business District in Christchurch when the 6.3 magnitude quake struck and building in which she was working crumbled. “My car was crushed under it. We just tried to help as many people as we could,” Orla told the Limerick Leader yesterday.

“We pulled people out of the rubble on Tuesday and all I kept thinking was ‘Please don’t let it be one of my friends’.”

The 31-year-old is amongst thousands of people who have been left homeless following the devastating earthquake.

“Aftershocks have brought further damage both to our nerves and the buildings left standing. Everyone I know is accounted for and I’m just thankful for that,” Orla added.

One Irishman was killed in the earthquake. Psychiatric nurse Owen McKenna, from Dundion, Emyvale, Co Monaghan, was in his early 40s and married with two children. A book of condolences will be opened at Mr McKenna’s mother’s home at Bracagh, Emyvale tomorrow.

The death toll from the quake now stands at 108 and 250 are believed missing.

There are 17 Irish people still unaccounted for.

Teams from Japan and the US have sent in sniffer dogs and listening equipment to aid in the rescue operation.

But their efforts are being hindered by the danger of new collapses of damaged buildings.

A Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson has confirmed that no contact has been made with Mr O’Connor.

- Department of Foreign Affairs Christchurch crisis centre: 01-4180222.