Investigation begins into fatal steel fire

An investigation is underway into the cause of the fire that swept through a chemical laboratory in the Ispat Steel Plant, killing one man and injuring three others.

The alarm was raised at 2am and 10 units of the fire brigade responded. Two of those injured in the blaze at the Haulbowline-based plant were firefighters.

The Assistant Chief Fire Officer of the Cork County Fire Service Seamus Coughlan said they had no idea how the fire started. He added that the building where the blaze was centred is completely gutted.

Fire crews are remaining on the scene as a clean up operation continues throughout the day.