Limerick, Ireland— A blast tore through a metal fabrication plant on the Dock Road industrial estate at 10:05 a.m. Friday, killing a 38-year-old worker and injuring two others. Fire services said a gas cylinder ignited near a welding bay, triggering a secondary explosion. The building's roof partially collapsed.
The plant employs 45 people making agricultural machinery. Workers said they heard a hissing sound before a loud bang. Flames shot through the workshop, shattering windows 100 meters away. One worker was standing within two meters of the cylinder and took the full force. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:40 a.m. after paramedics failed to resuscitate him.
Two other men, aged 29 and 51, suffered burns and shrapnel wounds. They were taken to University Hospital Limerick, one with 30 percent burns. Fire crews from Limerick City and Shannon entered in breathing apparatus and shut off acetylene and propane lines. They spent two hours damping down hotspots to prevent re-ignition. Gas Networks Ireland isolated the mains supply.
"This was a sudden and violent event, we are focusing on gas storage and handling," a Health and Safety Authority inspector at the scene said. He confirmed the site was issued an improvement notice six months ago for improper gas cylinder storage. That notice was marked as complied with in August. All records, CCTV and maintenance logs have now been seized.
The company, a family-run firm operating since 1992, said it is devastated and cooperating fully. Workers were sent home and offered counselling. The plant manager said the cylinder that exploded was delivered two days ago and was being connected when it failed. The supplier has been notified and asked to quarantine the same batch.
Limerick City and County Council closed Dock Road for four hours while structural engineers assessed the building. The roof over the welding bay is unstable and will need demolition. The Environmental Protection Agency is monitoring air quality but said no toxic release was detected beyond smoke. Neighbouring businesses were evacuated as a precaution.
Trade unions said industrial gas explosions remain a recurring risk in small workshops. The union SIPTU called for mandatory blast barriers for cylinder banks. Figures from the HSA show three worker deaths from gas-related explosions in Ireland since 2022. The authority will now carry out a full investigation, including metallurgical testing of the cylinder.
The site remains sealed and guarded overnight. The HSA said it will examine training records, risk assessments and gas handling procedures. The victim's family has been notified and is being supported by a family liaison officer. The investigation is ongoing, with a report to be sent to the coroner.
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