Two people have died following a 'trench collapse' during road works in Northern Ireland.
Emergency services rushed to the scene in Crossnacreevy, Co. Down, after receiving a 999 call following the collapse shortly after 11am today.
It has been reported two people have died while a number of people remain trapped beneath the trench, with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirming that 'no one has been taken from the scene.'
Firefighters are working to rescue those still stuck inside the debris using specialist equipment, while three Emergency Ambulances and two HART Teams were deployed to the site earlier in the day.
There remains a large police, ambulance and firefighter presence in the area around Ballygowan Road.
It is understood earthworks were underway at the time of the collapse.
In a post on social media, DUP MP for East Belfast Gavin Robinson said: 'Sadly, it has been confirmed that two people have lost their lives following an incident at Crossnacreevy.
'Due to an ongoing incident the Ballygowan Road at Crossnacreevy is closed in both directions.'
Emergency services in attendance at the scene in Crossnacreevy, Co. Down, where a trench reportedly collapsed this morning
He added his 'thoughts are with those who are caught up in this incident'.
A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) told the Belfast Telegraph it was 'aware of an incident at a workplace in the Crossnacreevy area and the inspectors are on site making enquiries into the circumstances.'
'We are currently liaising with the emergency services and other relevant agencies. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage while enquiries are ongoing,' The HSENI added.
A Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said two fire appliances from Knock Fire Station, one from Carryduff, one from Cadogan Fire Station and two specialist rescue teams are all in attendance.
They said: 'Firefighters were called to reports of a rescue incident on Ballygowan Road, Crossnacreevy, Carryduff, Down. This incident is ongoing.'
A spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland added: 'The Ballygowan Road in Crossnacreevy is closed.
'Emergency services are in attendance. You are advised to take another route for your journey.'