Two die following 'trench collapse' during road work in Northern Ireland

Published: 10:59 EDT, 2 October 2026 | Updated: 11:03 EDT, 2 October 2026 Two people have died following a 'trench collapse' during road works in Northern Ireland.Emergency services rushed to the scene in Crossnacreevy, Co. Down, following the collapse shortly after 11am today.It has been reported that two people have died while a number of people remain trapped beneath the trench, with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirming that 'no one has been taken from the scene.' Firefighters are working to rescue those still stuck inside the debris using specialist equipment.There remains a large police, ambulance and firefighter presence in the area around Ballygowan Road.It is understood earthworks were underway at the time of the collapse. In a post on social media, DUP MP for East Belfast Gavin Robinson said: 'Due to an ongoing incident the Ballygowan Road at Crossnacreevy is closed in both directions.'He added that his 'thoughts are with those who are caught up in this incident'. Emergency services in attendance at the scene in Crossnacreevy, Co. Down, where a trench reportedly collapsed this morning A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) told the Belfast Telegraph it was 'aware of an incident at a workplace in the Crossnacreevy area and the inspectors are on site making enquiries into the circumstances.''We are currently liaising with the emergency services and other relevant agencies. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage while enquiries are ongoing,' The HSENI added. A spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: 'The Ballygowan Road in Crossnacreevy is closed.'Emergency services are in attendance. You are advised to take another route for your journey.'