Two men named following fatal workplace tragedy in Co Down

Saturday 03 October 2026

Two men who died following a workplace-related incident in Crossnacreevy, County Down have been named by police as 23-year-old Joseph Hobbs and 38-year-old Mark Glover.

Joseph was from the Comber area, while Mark was from Ballygowan. Both men were pronounced dead following the incident in the Ballygowan Road area on Friday morning, 2 October.

Investigation into circumstances continues

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 10.45am, with three emergency ambulances and two Hazardous Area Response Teams among the resources deployed. Despite medical treatment at the scene, the two men died.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said the deaths are not being treated as suspicious at this time and offered its sympathies to everyone affected by the tragedy.

Police are continuing to work closely with the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and others as enquiries seek to establish the circumstances surrounding what happened. HSENI inspectors attended the site following the incident.

Firefighters worked into early hours

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has confirmed firefighters were called to reports of a rescue incident involving a trench collapse at 10.49am on Friday.

Two appliances from Knock Fire Station and one each from Carryduff and Cadogan fire stations attended, alongside three Specialist Rescue Teams.

A NIFRS spokesperson said:

“The thoughts and sympathies of Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) are with the loved ones of 2 people who died following an incident on Ballygowan Road, Crossnacreevy, Carryduff.

“Further to considerable multi-agency efforts NIFRS teams assisted in the rescue of 2 casualties. Tragically these 2 people, aged 23 and 38 died as a result of the incident. Firefighters left the scene at 02.46am on Saturday 3 October 2026.

“NIFRS wish to thank all of the agencies that assisted in the rescue efforts.”

Community urged to avoid speculation

Ulster Unionist representative for Belfast South and Mid Down Dr Kathryn Owen said the incident had caused enormous shock and sadness in Crossnacreevy and urged people to allow investigators to establish the facts.

“This is a truly horrific incident, and my thoughts first and foremost are with the families and loved ones of all those involved.

“Crossnacreevy is a close knit community, and I know this will have caused enormous shock and sadness, both locally and across the wider area.

“While the circumstances are still being investigated, I would urge everyone to avoid speculating about what has happened. Out of respect for the families, we should allow the authorities to carry out their work and establish the facts.”

Firefighters remained at the scene for almost 16 hours, with the final NIFRS crews leaving at 2.46am on Saturday.

Tribute to emergency responders

Dr Owen also paid tribute to those who responded to the incident.

“I also want to pay tribute to our emergency services and specialist rescue teams, who have responded to an incredibly difficult situation. As always, they have shown great professionalism and dedication.

“My thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragedy.”

The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation, with police and HSENI continuing their enquiries. Authorities have not yet announced any findings about how the incident occurred.