'It's just utterly tragic' - Dad-of-one killed in quarry accident named locally

The incident occurred shortly after 3pm yesterday at Casey Concrete near Gorey.

It's understood that the man, named locally as Peter 'The Mallet' Byrne, was operating an excavator when then accident took place.

Sources have said the young dad was digging at the base of the quarry when thousands of tons of loose material fell on top of his machine.

It's believed that it took a number of hours of digging to reach Mr Byrne, who had been encased in the rubble.

Another man was also injured during the accident.

Mr Byrne's remains were removed to University Hospital Waterford where a post-mortem examination is due to be carried out.

Mr Byrne was last night described as a loveable, happy-go-lucky man.

He lived in nearby Ballycanew with his partner and their young child.

"He really was liked by everyone and was truly a hard working family man.

"It's just utterly tragic," said one friend.

Gardaí have preserved the scene, and the Health and Safety Authority has been notified.

It is the second tragedy to occur at the facility.

A number of years ago a man lost his life after he was crushed in machinery.

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) said an investigation by the organisation is underway.

The scene has been preserved and will be examined by HSA inspectors today.