A man crushed to death by a forklift at a recycling facility in west Dublin on 7 September has been identified as a Nigerian national
Samuel Okoro, 41, was on the second of a three-day temporary placement at the Greenstar recycling plant in Ballymount Industrial Estate when the accident occurred around 3pm.
A second man who was also involved in the incident did not sustain any injury but was treated in hospital for shock.
Okoro’s body was removed to Tallaght Hospital where a full postmortem was to be carried out.
Gardaí from Crumlin who attended the scene said “four or five persons” tried to help the deceased immediately after the incident, but it’s thought Okoro died instantly.
It is believed that Okoro was involved in the storing of old freezers and kitchen appliances at the waste facility at the time of his death. Greenstar said it immediately suspended operations at the plant.
Friends have paid special tribute to late Okoro, who lived in the Dublin 15 area. One man, who told Metro Éireann he spoke with Okoro three hours and was due to meet him after work, said he was a very reliable individual who will be greatly missed.
“He was a very respectful human being. He had respect for even younger ones.”
The friend said that Okoro had taken time off work the day before to do the school run for another friend.
“[He was] a real brother and someone who could give you positive encouragement when you’re in difficulty. He was a real, true and good friend. I am not praising him because he’s dead.”
Gardaí and the Health and Safety Authority are continuing their investigation into the incident, which is being treated as a workplace accident.
Crumlin Gardaí also want anyone who witnessed the incident at the Greenstar facility in Ballymount between 2.45pm and 3.30pm on 7 September to contact them at 01 666 6200 or on the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
As of press time, friends and relations were meeting to discuss plans for Okoro’s funeral, and have appealed to Gardaí for more information about the circumstances of his death.
