Toddler killed on Co Cork farm

A three-year-old boy has died in Cork after being struck by a mechanical digger on a farm.

Gardaí and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) are investigating the incident which took place in the area of Gortnascreeny, Drimoleague near Bantry in West Cork at about 10.30am today.

He was taken to Bantry Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Gardaí have attended and preserved the scene for ongoing technical examination.

The HSA has also initiated its own inquiry as is standard practice surrounding any fatality at a place of work.

A postmortem examination is due to take place today at Cork University Hospital.

Gardaí have described the incident as a “tragic accident”.

Today’s fatality brings to at least 15 the number of people killed on Irish farms this year with a high proportion of deaths attributed to tractors and other machinery. Last year 16 people, including four children, died in farming-related incidents.

July marked the first National Farm Safety Awareness Day as part of a drive to publicise the threats posed by what is considered to be the country’s most dangerous profession.