A man killed in a mining accident in Co Meath lost his brother in a similar tragedy years before, it emerged tonight.
Noel O'Neill, a miner with almost 30 years experience, died at the Tara Mines site on the outskirts of Navan yesterday.
It is understood Mr O'Neill, 57, died in a 100ft fall, after ground he was working on collapsed.
A spokesman for Tara Mines confirmed an accident occurred underground in which Mr O'Neill died and that an internal investigation had been launched.
His brother Martin was the last worker to die at the site in an accident in 1988.
Bert-Ove Johansson, managing director, expressed sincere sympathy to Mr O'Neill's wife and family on behalf of the company and all employees.
“We are all very saddened by this accident and our thoughts go to his wife and family,” said Mr Johansson.
John Regan, SIPTU branch secretary in Meath, said the accident had caused great distress among workers.
“There is a lot of fear and anxiety among the miners,” he said.
Mr Regan said counselling services had been offered to more than 400 miners at the site. SIPTU extended their sympathies to the man's family, friends and colleagues.
It is understood Mr O'Neill was a vastly experienced miner who had begun working with Tara Mines in 1978 at the site which runs for miles near Navan town.
Two separate investigations were launched by gardai and the Health and Safety Authority immediately after the accident. The company is carrying out its own investigations.
His body was removed to Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, for a post-mortem examination.
A HSA spokesman said an official was at the scene and the investigation into the incident was continuing.