Limerick County Council has expressed its sympathy to the families and colleagues of the two men who died after falling from Thomond Bridge in Limerick yesterday.

The Health and Safety Authority are currently investigating the incident.

The pair were were strapped inside a security cage that was dangling from a crane over the River Shannon when it broke free and plunged into the water yesterday afternoon.

It is understood the three men were wearing life jackets and safety harnesses to tether them to a cage, which was suspended from a crane, when it broke away.

A third man who was working with them managed to free himself and swim to the surface where he was rescued.

He was taken to hospital but has since been released.

Limerick City and County Council said the men had been carrying out maintenance work on the bridge since last Monday.