Investigations under way after workplace death in Nenagh

The man in his 40's was killed after an explosion yesterday afternoon at gas pipe-laying works on the old N7 outside Nenagh at Ballywilliam, as part of a project to bring natural gas to the town. 

The stretch of road between Nenagh and Birdhill remains closed.

It's understood that pressure tests were being carried out when the explosion occured. 

Gardaí and the Health and Safety Authority are carrying out seperate investigations into the incident. 

In a statement, Gas Networks Ireland said the man was an employee of a subcontractor of Balfour Beatty CLG Limited, working on behalf of Gas Networks Ireland.