Two investigations under way after boy, 3, dies in lift shaft accident

Two investigations were under way last night into the death of a three-year-old boy in a lift shaft.

The accident happened at the Hynes Building office complex in Galway city yesterday afternoon.

It is understood the boy was with his mother and three other children at the social welfare office on the first floor of the complex when he became detached from the family party.

He was discovered fatally injured a short time afterwards in the lift shaft.

The emergency services were immediately alerted and an ambulance, two units of Galway Fire Brigade and gardaí rushed to the Hynes Building on St Augustine St. A doctor was also summoned.

Despite their efforts, the child was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was later removed and a postmortem is expected to be held today.

A spokesman for the emergency services described the incident as “a very tragic accident”.

Garda forensic officers were yesterday carrying out an investigation of the lift shaft and surrounding area where the tragedy occurred, but the incident is not being treated as suspicious.

The Hynes Building also houses the RTÉ West regional offices as well as the offices of a number of private companies.

The Health and Safety Authority was advised of the accident and a full investigation was being launched last night. A coroner’s inquest will also be held into the tragedy.

The distraught family were comforted at the scene and left the building when the child’s body was removed.

The family are understood to be living in the eastern outskirts of Galway city for some time and are originally from Nigeria.