First pic of dad & daughter, 49 & 24, killed in horror Offaly work accident & heartbreaking ‘taken too early’ tribute
TRIBUTES have been paid to a father and daughter who died in a workplace incident.
Mihai Chinez, 49, and his 24-year-old daughter, Denisa Chinez lost their lives at Banagher Precast Concrete in Co Offaly.
It is understood the father and daughter had been working in a yard where precast concrete slats are made in moulds when the tragedy occurred.
The bodies of Mr Chinez and his daughter were taken to Midlands Regional Hospital in Tullamore following the incident, where post-mortem examinations will take place.
The pair, who were originally from Romania, had worked at the company for a number of years.
The Health and Safety Authority has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
As the probe continues, the Chairperson of the Birr Municipal District, John Leahy, told how the local community had been plunged into deep shock following the deaths.
Mr Leahy revealed that Mr Chinez’s wife and Denisa’s mother also worked at the company, explaining how that compounded the tragedy.
He said: “I was in Banagher yesterday and the community is just in deep shock.
“We’re waiting to wrap around the family when the time is appropriate.”
Mr Leahy highlighted how the family had been part of the Banagher community for a number of years as he laid bare the shock of locals.
Stunned friends took to social media to offer their condolence to the family of Denisa and her father, with one writing: “Tea was taken too early from me. My love.”
Another added: “Rest in peace Denisa, may his angels watch over you up there.”
A third said: “My condolences. (Have) Strength to overcome this difficult challenge. May God rest them in peace.”
Banagher Precast Concrete employs more than 250 people and operates from a 50-acre facility in Offaly, as well as a secondary manufacturing site in Norfolk in England.
The company has said it is cooperating fully with the HSA investigation and that its immediate priority is supporting the families of the two employees.
The HSA said in a statement: “The Health and Safety Authority is aware of the incident and has launched an investigation.
“As such, no further information is available at this time.”
