Gardaí have appealed for information about the death of a waste collection worker in an incident in Dublin last night.

The man (56) became trapped in the back of an OZO waste disposal truck in the Grand Canal Dock area late last night.

An ambulance and three units of the Dublin fire brigade arrived at the scene of the incident after emergency services received an initial call at 11.15pm.

Specialist equipment was used to free the man, who is originally from Poland.

He was taken to St James’ Hospital where he later died.

A passerby, who had been attending a nearby theatre, said that, when he passed the bin truck, he could hear shouting coming from the back of it. He said he then hit the emergency stop button at the side of the truck before calling for help.

Separate investigations by the Garda Síochána and the Health and Safety Authority will take place.

Two men were working on the Ozo bin round in the area at the time.



It is believed that the dead man had been emptying bins at the back of the truck on his own while a second worker sent bins up in a lift from the basement of businesses.



A spokesman for the Health and Safety Authority confirmed that a team of inspectors were involved in the investigation, with one officer at the scene before dawn.



It is understood that investigations will centre on whether the dead man got caught in machinery and was pulled in.

Ozo said today the worker’s death was a sudden and tragic loss.



“It is with heartbroken regret that we make this announcement on behalf of all his friends and colleagues alike here at the company,” the company said. “Naturally, due to this unforeseen tragedy we have released them from their duties as many of our colleagues are suffering shock and upset and we appreciate your understanding that we are not in a position to provide our normal service at this moment in time.



“Our condolences to his family, relatives, friends and work colleagues.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Pearse Street Garda station on (01) 6669000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.