Man, 49, and daughter, 24, killed at Offaly concrete plant as HSA launches investigation
From the Newshound archive · first published 30 September 2026 · last updated 1 October 2026.
Mihai and Denisa Chinez, the father and daughter whose photographs have now been released publicly as tributes pour in following their deaths at Banagher Precast Concrete in Co Offaly on Monday.
Mihai Chinez, 49, and his daughter Denisa Mihaela Chinez, 24, died at Banagher Precast Concrete in Co Offaly on Monday morning following a workplace incident. The Romanian family had lived and worked in Banagher for several years. Denisa's mother Angela, also employed at the plant, was present when emergency services arrived shortly after 11.40am. A joint funeral Mass is scheduled for Thursday at St Rynagh's Church, Banagher.
The pair had been working with precast concrete slats in moulds at the time of the fatal incident; the plant's workforce of around 250 has been stood down while the HSA investigation proceeds.
Denisa is survived by her fiancé, Liviu Blaj, and a sister, Lavinia Alexandra; the company described the incident as 'unprecedented' and stated that its first priority is the welfare of both families.
Local councillor John Leahy spoke of an 'eerie quietness' in Banagher, adding that Angela having witnessed the aftermath 'compounded the tragedy'.
