Two brothers who were killed after they were overcome by fumes while working in an underground sewer died of hypoxia due to toxic levels of hydrogen sulphide, an inquest has found.
Brothers Alan (45) and Stephen (32) Harris were working on a sewage drain at Drumnigh Woods estate in Portmarnock, Co Dublin when the accident occurred last June.
Alan Harris of Hazelbury Park, Clonee, Dublin 15, died at Beaumont Hospital on June 10th. His brother Stephen Harris of Monasterboice Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, died two days later.
Both men died as a result of hypoxia, secondary to exposure to toxic concentrations of hydrogen sulphide, Dublin Coroner’s Court heard on Tuesday.
A double inquest into the brothers’ deaths was opened and adjourned before Coroner Dr Brian Farrell and members of the Harris family.
The brothers were working for Alan Harris’ family company Harris Draintech at the Portmarnock estate on the evening of Wednesday June 10th when the incident occurred.
The two men were working in a pit as part of an underground drainage system when they were overcome by toxic levels of hydrogen sulphide - a deadly colourless, poisonous gas.
“The two brothers were working at the housing estate Drumnigh Woods in Portmarnock on an underground drainage system,” inspector John Gordon of Coolock Garda Station told the inquest.
“They were self employed, working for Alan’s company, a family company.”
Darren Harris, a brother of the two deceased men, gave evidence of identifying Alan Harris at the double inquest. Asked by the coroner how many were in the family, Mr Harris said there were five brothers and one sister.
“It’s hard, because it has changed,” he said before answering the coroner.
Derek Harris gave evidence of identifying his brother Stephen.
The two deceased men are relatives of Irish soccer star Robbie Keane.
Health and Safety Authority (HSA) inspector Frank Kerins and inspector Gordon made a joint application for an adjournment of the inquest under section 25, subsection 1 of the Coroner’s Act pending completion of the investigation.
Mr Kerins said a file would be sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) as part of the “normal process in such cases”.
Inspector Gordon said it was unlikely gardaí would send a file to the DPP as no third party was involved.
The coroner agreed to make the full autopsy report available to family members following a request from them, and said he would further examine the details of the brothers’ deaths at a full hearing of the inquest.
Adjourning the inquest for further mention to March 8th Dr Farrell extended his “deepest condolences” to family members.
“I’m so sorry to hear of Alan and Stephen’s deaths. I’m aware of the some of the circumstances. I want to say how very sorry I am. This is a double tragedy and it must be devastating for all the family,” he said.