Worker killed after third blast hits chemicals plant

Four separate investigations were launched last night into the death of a married father of one who was killed in the third explosion at a chemicals plant in less than two months.

Gardai, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Health and Safety Authority are investigating the cause of the accident, which claimed the life of Liam Nodwell.

The company has also launched its own internal inquiry.

The 58-year-old died at Cork University Hospital following the latest accident at the Corden PharmaChem facility in Little Island shortly before 1.30am yesterday.

Fire crews and ambulances from Cork city arrived at the scene within minutes of the explosion and six workers were transferred to Cork University Hospital (CUH) for treatment.

One worker remained in a serious condition yesterday while the other four employees were discharged from hospital after being treated for minor injuries. One employee had to go through a decontamination unit in the hospital's A&E department.

Three incidents have occurred at Corden PharmaChem since March. There were no injuries in the previous incidents.

Yesterday a spokesman for Corden PharaChem expressed his "deepest sympathy" to the family and friends of Liam Nodwell and said the company's thoughts and prayers were with the bereaved. He added that the cause of the blast was unknown at this stage.

Mr Nodwell had been a production worker at PharmaChem for over 20 years.

Managing director of PharmaChem in Cork, Paudie Burke, said staff were mourning the loss of their "esteemed colleague", Liam Nodwell. He also extended his sympathy to Mr Nodwell's wife, Sheila, and the couple's son, Brian.

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) confirmed inspectors from the authority were attending the scene and a full investigation was due to be launched.

The plant remained closed yesterday as the investigations got under way.

The Corden PharmaChem group was established following the acquisition of two manufacturing facilities by the International Chemical Investors Group.

The company employs 105 people at a 20-acre site in Little Island in the manufacture of bulk drugs and ingredients for the pharmaceutical industry.

Cork North Central Labour TD Kathleen Lynch said the death of Mr Nodwell highlighted local concerns about safety at the Little Island plant.

Sympathies

"My thoughts first and foremost are with the family of this man and my sincere sympathies go to them," she said.

Cork Green Party Cllr Chris O' Leary said he was worried about health and safety policies at pharmaceutical and chemical plants in Cork city.

Mr Nodwell's death brings to 18 the number of workplace deaths in Ireland so far this year.

Yesterday, friends of Mr Nodwell described him as a "perfect gentleman" whose passion in life was golf.

Mr Nodwell was originally from Mayfield in Cork but had moved to Glamire, on the outskirts of the city. He was a member of Mallow golf club and played whenever he had "half a chance".

A spokesman for Mallow Golf Club said members were devastated by the death.

"We are deeply saddened. He was a nice man. Such a gentleman."