A father and daughter have died following a workplace incident at Banagher Precast Concrete in Co Offaly.
Gardaí and emergency services responded to the incident at the company's manufacturing facility at around 11.40am yesterday.
The father, a man in his 50s, and his daughter, who was in her 20s, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The family are originally from Romania and had been working at the plant in Banagher for a number of years.
Their bodies were removed to Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore, where a post-mortem examination will take place.
Staff at the plant are said to be in deep shock at the tragic death of their colleagues.
Banagher Precast Concrete is assisting the Health and Safety Authority, which is conducting an investigation at the scene of the fatalities.
The company has expressed its "deep sadness" following the deaths of the two employees.
In a statement, the company said its Board of Directors, management team and employees extended their "deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences" to the families, friends and colleagues of those who have died.
It described the incident as "a devastating tragedy for everyone connected with our company" and said its immediate priority was supporting the families of the two employees.
The company also expressed its gratitude to the emergency services and all those who responded to the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are not yet fully known.
TD says death of father and daughter at Banagher Concrete 'unbelievably sad'
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Banagher Precast Concrete said it would cooperate fully with all statutory bodies and provide whatever assistance is required as part of the investigation.
The company said the safety of its people has always been a core value and is embedded throughout its daily operations.
It described an incident of this severity as "unprecedented" for the organisation and said employees were "all in deep shock".
The company has asked that the privacy of the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased be respected and said it will not be providing further details at this time.
Fianna Fáil TD Tony McCormack said the incident was "hugely sad" and unbelievably tragic".
He said other members of the same family, including the mother of the woman in her 20s, work in the same company.
Mr McCormack said: "My thoughts and prayers go to the family, the friends and the work colleagues of the people who lost their lives today in such a tragic accident."
He said the incident has been felt "right across the community".
