Fuel Delivery Driver Killed in Freak Accident at Filling Station in Co Meath

In a tragic incident, a man lost his life after accidentally falling into an underground diesel tank. The incident took place in an industrial area, and the man was reported as missing before his body was found inside the tank. The inquest into the incident has been opened, giving authorities and the public a chance to understand how such a freak accident could occur. The incident has raised concerns about safety precautions in industrial areas and the need for greater vigilance to prevent such accidents from happening again. In this article, we delve into the details of the incident and explore the various factors that contributed to this unfortunate event.


During an inquest held at Dublin District Coroner’s Court, it was revealed that a fuel delivery driver lost his life after falling into an underground diesel tank at Tuite’s garage in Oldcastle, Co Meath in April 2021. Robbie Slye, aged 64 and a father of four from Clonshaugh, Co Dublin, who worked for Capital Oil, appeared to have been overcome by diesel fumes when he slumped headfirst into the chamber from a kneeling position whilst in the process of opening a manhole to access an underground diesel tank at around 12.30pm. He was rescued from the tank within a minute and taken to Tallaght University Hospital by air ambulance, but was pronounced dead later that night at 10.30pm. The CCTV footage of the incident showed that Mr Slye had been in the hole for 40 seconds before he was spotted and pulled out. Clare Keane, the coroner, expressed her condolences and endorsed a recommendation made by the jury to consider installing a safety grid to the access chamber of underground fuel tanks where possible.


In conclusion, the tragic incident of the man who lost his life falling into an underground diesel tank serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can lurk beneath our feet. It is crucial that we remain vigilant and aware of our surroundings at all times, especially when working in potentially hazardous environments. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking event. May this serve as a call to action for us all to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions to prevent such accidents from happening in the future.