Dublin refuse worker dies in bin truck accident

A refuse worker has died after becoming trapped in the back of a bin truck in Dublin city centre overnight.

The dead man is understood to be aged 40 and originally from Poland.

Gardaí said that the man was rescued from the vehicle but lost his fight for life in hospital.

Gardaí were alerted to the incident on Grand Canal Street at around 11.30pm, and fire crews were also called to the scene.

They used specialist equipment to get the man out of the back of the truck, and he was rushed to St James' Hospital for treatment, but later died of his injuries.

It is understood the man who was aged around 40 was working for a private waste company.

Gardaí at Pearse Street in the city have launched an investigation and the street is closed for a technical examination, while the coroner has also been informed.

The dead man worked for the waste collection company Ozo, it emerged later.

The firm said it had stopped some operations at the business for the day in the wake of the accident.

Ozo said the worker’s death was a sudden and tragic loss.

“It is with heartbroken regret that we make this announcement on behalf of all his friends and colleagues alike here at the company,” the company said later.

“Naturally, due to this unforeseen tragedy we have released them from their duties as many of our colleagues are suffering shock and upset and we appreciate your understanding that we are not in a position to provide our normal service at this moment in time.

“Our condolences to his family, relatives, friends and work colleagues.”

The Dublin Fire Brigade said a passer-by raised the alarm when he heard screams from the back of the truck and immediately pressed the emergency stop button and alerted emergency services.

Two men were working on the Ozo bin round in the area at the time.

It is believed that the dead man had been emptying bins at the back of the truck on his own while a second worker sent bins up in a lift from the basement of businesses.

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Authority confirmed that a team of inspectors were involved in the investigation, with one officer at the scene before dawn.

It is understood that investigations will centre on whether the dead man got caught in machinery and was pulled in.