Man on life support after 'mini-explosion' at Cork plant

Updated at 12:08

Two men suffered suspected titanium burns in what has been described as a mini-explosion while working on the roof of a medical devices plant in Co Cork.

One of the men is in a serious condition in hospital overnight after suffering extensive burn injuries in the incident at Stryker's Anngrove plant at the IDA Business Park in Carrigtwohill on Tuesday afternoon.

In a statement issued to Cork's RedFM on behalf of the man's family, a spokesperson said they received "the worst news yesterday afternoon" after the incident.

"He was in surgery until late last night and is on life support. Our extended family are heartbroken and feel helpless at the shocking turn of events."

"He is a kind, mild-mannered family man, 41 years old, with a loving wife, a baby, a young child, and a stepson who are in his world," the family statement said.

"He was living the perfect life until 1pm yesterday. His devoted parents, wife and siblings are devastated and keeping vigil at the hospital.

The condition of the second person is understood to not be serious.

The plant was in shutdown following the incident as an investigation by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) got underway.

While the exact nature of the incident remains under investigation, it is understood it occurred while a person was working on the roof area of the plant.

Emergency services including the Cork County Fire Service, gardaí, and the National Ambulance Service responded to the scene after the incident at around 1.15pm yesterday afternoon. The HSA confirmed it has launched an investigation into the incident.

The alarm was raised just after 1pm on Tuesday when Midleton fire brigade was asked to help with “a medical emergency” at the plant.

A spokesman for the county fire service said it was reported that one person had suffered burns while working on equipment which was located on the roof and that the fire was out.

However, in a statement later, Stryker confirmed that two people had been injured in the incident which it said was managed by the company’s emergency response team with support from local emergency services.

“Two people were transferred to the hospital and all others were safely evacuated from the facility,” a spokesperson said.

“We’re committed to a safe and healthy work environment at all of our facilities. We’re working closely with the authorities to investigate the incident.”