Two Men Killed in Limerick after Workers Fall into the River Shannon

A shocking accident in Limerick this afternoon has claimed the lives of two men and left a third in hospital. A major rescue operation took place in the city this afternoon after three workers fell into the water while working on the Thomond Bridge. The workers were cleaning the side of the bridge when a cage contained the trio collapsed into the river Shannon. The cage was suspended from a crane at the time.   All three men were believed to have been wearing life jackets and safety harnesses which tethered them to a cage, when the cage broke away. One man managed to release himself, while the other two remained trapped until members of Limerick Marine Search and Rescue were able to bring them to shore. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel at the scene and at University Hospital Limerick, both men tragically lost their lives.  

Major incident on Thomond Bridge in #Limerick, crane snapped and workmen cleaning bridge went into water. Reports of casualties.

— Alan Owens (@alanowens_limk) August 29, 2015

Terrible desperate news coming out of Limerick. Thoughts are with familes, friends, fellow workers and emergency services — Maurice Quinlivan (@CllrQuinlivan) August 29, 2015

LIMERICK: Gardai dealing with serious incident on Thomond Bridge & the Bridge, Island Rd & Sexton St North all closed. Diversions in place.

— AA Roadwatch (@aaroadwatch) August 29, 2015

Traffic restrictions in place on Clancy Strand.Thinking of the poor lads involved. Hoping for a positive outcome pic.twitter.com/lfAYzcGwxV — DF (@ThumundLark) August 29, 2015

Tragedy in Limerick. 4 workmen working on the Thomand bridge apparently fell into the Shannon. pic.twitter.com/MmnHweilN1

— DF (@ThumundLark) August 29, 2015

Main image via @ThumundLark on Twitter