A second man has died following an industrial accident which happened in Dublin earlier this week.

Stephen Harris (34) was working on a sewer in Drumnigh Wood housing estate in the Portmarnock area of north Dublin at about 2:30pm Wednesday afternoon, along with his brother Alan.

One of the brothers fell into the pit after he was overcome by methane gas, before the second fell in while trying to help him.

Both were rushed to Beaumont Hospital where Alan Harris (45), a father of two, was declared dead.

While gardaí have confirmed that Stephen passed away in Beaumont Hospital at 9am this morning.

Investigations by the gardaí and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) are continuing and the scene of the incident is still preserved for investigation purposes.

As well as investigating whether the men were overcome by methane gas in a confined space, the probes will also look into what breathing apparatus was available to the men.

The family have requested that their privacy be respected at this time.

Both men were cousins of Republic of Ireland striker, Robbie Keane. 

He is expected to play in Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifying match against Scotland in Dublin.

The LA Galaxy striker paid tribute to Alan on Facebook last night and said his family were praying for Stephen.

He wrote: "As you can imagine it's been a very difficult time for our family may Alan RIP and we continue to pray for Stephen thanks everyone for your kind messages and support."

Adam Cullen of the Irish Independent told Newstalk Lunchtime Alan's widow has released a statement.