Investigation underway into Mayo factory explosion

An explosion occurred outside the AbbVie factory in Westport this morning, leading to the hospitalisation of an outsourced contractor.

The incident occurred shortly after 8 a.m. in an isolated waste disposal area during routine operations.

Emergency services were promptly on the scene, and the injured individual received immediate medical attention before being transported to the hospital.

Fortunately, the injuries sustained are not believed to be life-threatening.

As a precaution, all employees were evacuated from the building but returned to work once the situation was deemed safe.

A spokesperson for AbbVie addressed the incident in a statement to The Connaught Telegraph: “We are investigating an incident at our Westport site in an isolated waste disposal area during routine operations.

"Our on-site emergency response team immediately responded and contained the situation in partnership with local emergency services.

"All on-site personnel are safe and accounted for. An employee of a third-party service contractor was transported to the hospital as a precaution with non-life-threatening injuries.”

The incident is currently under investigation as authorities work to determine the cause of the explosion.

Further updates are expected as the situation develops.