The Water and Sewerage Authority has confirmed one of its workers was killed in an accident in Peel today.

In a statement the authority says the man, not yet named, lost his life while working on an excavation project to replace a water supply pipe. It's understood he was working near a wall which collapsed on the site near the Creg Malin hotel. at the promenade end of Walpole Road.

WASA chief executive Peter Winstanley, chairman John Houghton and vice chair Bill Henderson have been at the scene this afternoon to view the site first-hand.

Mr Houghton has described it as a very tragic and unfortunate accident and says his thoughts and prayers are with the man's family.

The victim's undertstood to be in his 50s and police are continuing to trace his relatives.

Health and Safety Inspectorate officers have begun a full investigation into the accident.

A public requisition meeting due to be held in Peel this evening to discuss a sewage treatment works has been postponed as a mark of respect.