Two men have died after falling from Thomond Bridge in Limerick while carrying out maintenance work.
A third man, who was working with them, is believed to be unhurt.
It is understood the three men were wearing life jackets and safety harnesses to tether them to the cage, which was suspended from a crane, when it broke away.
One man managed to free his harness and swim down river but the two others were trapped in the cage as it fell into the water at around 3.30pm.
The two men, aged in their late 20s and early 40s, are thought to have been under water for at least ten minutes.
Three Swift Water Rescue Technicans were deployed as part of the rescue operation and freed the men from their harnesses.
Members of Limerick Marine Search and Rescue brought the men ashore at Clancy Strand and they were brought to hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.
Limerick City and County Council said the men who died were employees of a firm contracted to undertake remedial works to the bridge, which began on Monday.
In a statement, the council said it is liaising with gardaí and the Health and Safety Authority and expressed its sympathy to the families and colleagues of the men.
Divers from Limerick Marine Search and Rescue assisted in raising the cage from the water and it was removed from the scene shortly after 8.30pm.
The Irish Coast Guard rescue helicopter was also deployed after the alarm was raised this afternoon.
