Customer dies in accident at B&Q store in Dublin

A customer has died in a freak accident at a DIY store, it was confirmed today.

The man, in his 50s, was killed when an item, possibly a pallet, fell from a shelf on top of him at a B&Q outlet in the Irish Republic.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and gardaí have launched separate inquiries into the tragic accident in Tallaght, south Dublin.

The store remains closed as investigations continue.

Brian Mooney, director of B&Q Ireland, said staff were devastated by the incident.

“It is with great sadness we confirm there was a fatal accident at our store in Tallaght yesterday,” said Mr Mooney.

“The store team are all devastated and our thoughts are with the friends and family of the deceased.

“We are working side by side with the HSA and Garda Siochána on a thorough investigation to understand how this tragic accident happened and our store will remain closed whilst this is under way.”

The HSA said two inspectors visited the store yesterday and launched a full investigation.

“We are still examining all the circumstances,” added a spokesman.

Gardaí said emergency services were called to the store in the Belgard Road shortly after 2pm.

“The man was taken to Tallaght Hospital where he was later pronounced dead,” said a garda spokesman.

“This is a tragic accident and we will be preparing a file for the coroner.”

B&Q is the number one DIY retailer in Europe and the third largest in the world, with more than 60 stores internationally.

It opened its first store in the Republic of Ireland, at Liffey Valley, west Dublin, in 2002.

Its mini-warehouse store opened in Tallaght in October 2003.

The retail chain now has nine stores across the Republic.