BOY, 3, CRUSHEDBY FALLING LOG; Inquiry into tragedy at busy port.

Byline: SARAH STACK

AN investigation was launched yesterday after a three-year-old was crushed by a falling log.

The tragic accident happened at Drogheda Port in Co Louth at midday as horrified onlookers witnessed the tot's death.

The boy was named locally as Des Dyas Jnr and his distraught dad Dessie works at the port.

A log, one of a number which were being unloaded, fell on the little boy and crushed him.

In a brief statement Harbour Master Captain Martin Donnelly confirmed a tragic accident had occurred involving a minor in the port compound.

He said: "That accident is now being investigated by An Garda Siochana, the Health and Safety Authority and Drogheda Port Company."

Inspectors at the scene yesterday were trying to piece together exactly what happened in the lead-up to the tragedy.

The little boy was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda where he died from his injuries.

A friend of the family said: "It's a complete shock and a terrible tragedy.

"They are a lovely family and this has just devastated people. The little boy was very good-natured and comes from a really loving family.

"They are all just in shock and don't know what to do."

Mr Dyas is originally from the Ballsgrove estate in Drogheda. He moved to Clogherhead with his young family some years ago.

Des Jnr is the youngest of three siblings. He was due to start school next year.

His family gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital yesterday evening where they comforted the boy's devastated parents.

The port handles more than 1.4 million tonnes of cargo each year in addition to 700 vessel calls.

CAPTION(S):

INVESTIGATION Gardai speak to shocked witnesses and workers after the accident DANGER Scene at Drogheda Port in Co Louth yesterday