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A man believed to be a local builder in his sixties has died and up to five other men have been injured following the partial collapse of a building in Ashe Street, Tralee this morning.
The internal collapse occurred shortly after 8 am in the building that was in disrepair and undergoing renovation. Part of the building is believed to have collapsed internally due to a falling chimney.
Several units of the fire service came to the scene together with ambulances and gardaí.
Up to five workers have been transported to Kerry University Hospital for treatment for injuries that are described as non-life threatening.
The Health and Safety Authority has confirmed that they are investigating the incident.
Emergency services at the scene in Tralee where a man died and several more were injured after a building partially collapsed. Photography: Domnick Walsh
The grand three-story building sits on one of Tralee’s most historic streets, which also contains the Courthouse and the Church of St. John of Ireland.
Last year, nearby Castle Street was closed for weeks after a 200-year-old building undergoing renovations became unstable.
The mayor of Tralee, Labor Party Councilor Terry O’Brien, said the man who died was in his sixties and well known and respected, and that the news of his death had come as a shock to city residents .
He said the tragedy was particularly sad in the lead up to Christmas.
“We are very, very sad here in Tralee this morning. We are very shocked by what has happened in the midst of our people.
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