A man remains in a critical condition in hospital after an industrial accident which claimed the life of his brother.

Alan and Steve Harris were working on a sewer in Drumnigh Wood housing estate in the Portmarnock area of north Dublin at about 2:30pm yesterday afternoon.

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.

It is believed his son - Alan Junior - is in Dubai and is now travelling home.

His brother Steve (32) remains in intensive care.

Alan was a cousin of Republic of Ireland striker, Robbie Keane.

Keane has not spoken about the incident and he trained with the Republic of Ireland squad today in Malahide, a few miles from the scene of the tragedy.

The Football Association of Ireland confirmed the family link.

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) confirmed it is investigating the incident.

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.

A number of fire officers were also taken to hospital after being overcome by fumes yesterday. However, their injuries are not believed to be serious.

Adam Cullen from the Irish Independent told Newstalk Breakfast that two investigations are underway into the incident.