Man dies in suspected gas explosion at Limerick factory

A man has died in a suspected gas explosion at a factory in Limerick city this morning.

The blast happened at the Vistakon plant in Castletroy at around 8.45am, as workers were beginning their morning shifts.

The victim died instantly.

Two other men were taken to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital with minor injuries sustained in the explosion, which is believed to have been caused by a gas leak.

Vistakon, which employs around 400 people, makes contact lenses and associated products.