Teenager (17) killed in workplace accident at recycling plant in Co Cavan

A 17-year-old has died following a workplace accident at a recycling plant in Co Cavan on Thursday.

The teenager, who was local to the area, died in an accident at the Wilton Recycling facility in Crosserlough.

The company has extended its “deepest condolences” to the boy’s family, friends and fellow employees.

“As a mark of respect, the company has decided to close its gates until further notice,” a spokeswoman said.

Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to the incident shortly after 4.30pm. The teenager was pronounced deceased at the scene, gardaí said.

[ Workplace fatalities: ‘It’s shocking that he lost his life while just trying to do his job’ ]

His body has been removed from the scene to the mortuary in Cavan. A postmortem will take place in due course.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has been notified. A file will be prepared for the Coroner’s Court.

The 17 year old was a “hard-working young man” who had completed his junior cert just last year, according to Local Fine Gael councillor Trevor Smith.

“It’s a terrible tragedy in our area, and we’re all devastated for the parents and siblings and the whole family. They’re now in our thoughts and prayers,” he said.

Smith described the teenager as a “popular young guy” from a farming background who had undertaken a summer job at the recycling facility.

Fine Gael councillor Winston J Bennett said the local community is “devastated”, adding that the young worker was “just starting life”.

“It’s a tragedy. Everyone is devastated by it,” he said.