The death of a three-year-old boy in Galway following an accident in a lift shaft is being investigated by the Gardai and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

Soloman Soremekun, whose parents are originally from Nigeria, was in the Hynes Building on Augustine Street with his mother and siblings. His mother was attending the Department of Social Protection offices on the first floor of the three-storey building.

It is understood that the little boy became separated from his family and then fell into a lift shaft. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The building was closed to the public following tragic accident.

The HSA was informed and inspectors have already visited the scene. Gardai are also investigating what happened. A postmortem is due to be carried out today.

While the family has been living in Ireland for some time, it is understood that they only recently moved to Galway.