Crossnacreevy: Two dead after trench collapse in County Down workplace incident

Two people have died after becoming trapped in a collapsed trench during a workplace incident in Crossnacreevy, County Down.

The incident occurred on Friday morning, 2 October 2026, on the Ballygowan Road. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 10:45 am, launching a major rescue operation that ultimately could not save the two workers.

Emergency services response

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service dispatched a significant response to the site, including three emergency ambulances, two hazardous area response teams, and an air ambulance. The Police Service of Northern Ireland and the fire service were also in attendance.

Despite the arrival of specialist rescue teams, medical crews were unable to save those trapped. The ambulance service later confirmed that no patients were transported from the scene.

The Ballygowan Road was closed to traffic on Friday as emergency teams worked at the site, with police advising motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

Safety investigation underway

Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) arrived at the scene on Friday afternoon to begin investigating the circumstances of the collapse.

In a statement, the safety watchdog confirmed its team was on-site making inquiries. "HSENI is aware of an incident at a workplace in the Crossnacreevy area and inspectors are on site making inquiries into the circumstances," the regulator said. "We are currently liaising with the emergency services and other relevant agencies."

The exact nature of the work being carried out in the trench has not yet been confirmed by officials.

Community reaction

The deaths have caused deep shock in the local area. Gavin Robinson, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, expressed his condolences shortly after the fatalities were confirmed.

"Sadly, it has been confirmed that two people have lost their lives following an incident at Crossnacreevy," Robinson said. "My thoughts are with their families and loved ones at this devastating time and with the emergency services responding."

Kathryn Owen, an Ulster Unionist representative, described the deaths as a "tragic incident" that would deeply affect the local community.

"I know this will have caused enormous shock and sadness, both locally and across the wider area," Owen said. She also praised the professionalism of the emergency services and specialist rescue teams who responded to what she described as an "incredibly difficult situation."

Alliance Party MLA Peter McReynolds also expressed his shock at the scale of the incident and urged the public to give the emergency teams space to complete their work.