A local civil construction firm and the Brisbane Irish community are grieving the loss of a well-loved site manager following a fatal vehicle accident in Tingalpa.
The tragic event occurred shortly before 7 am on Friday, 17 April, at the Wynnum Road premises of Allstar Infrastructure. Chris Kelly, an experienced construction professional, sustained critical injuries when he was caught between two vehicles on the industrial site.
Paramedics arrived quickly to provide emergency medical care, but they were unable to save him, and he passed away at the scene. This loss was part of a difficult week for the region, as another man died just days later during a separate forklift accident at a quarry in Sheldon.
A Journey From Ireland to Brisbane
Mr Kelly was a highly respected member of the local workforce who moved to Australia after building a career in his home country. Before his time in Queensland, he attended Athy College in Kildare and spent years working as a civil contractor in County Dublin.
His professional history on LinkedIn showed a man dedicated to his trade, eventually rising to the position of site construction manager for the Tingalpa-based company. Colleagues and those who worked alongside him remembered him as a person who brought both skill and a kind presence to the job site every day.
Tributes to a Gentle Giant
The impact of his death has been felt deeply by his partner, family, and a wide circle of friends who described him as a man of immense character. His partner, Cheyne Sellwood, expressed her deep affection for him and noted that they had been looking forward to a long future together. Friends like Edwina Mahon-Curtis spoke of him as a true gentleman who was devoted to his family and well-liked by everyone who knew him.
Others, including Mel Darque and Jason Kelly, shared that they felt fortunate to have had such a close friend and stated they would always hold onto the happy memories and laughter they shared with the man they called a gentle giant.
Ongoing Safety Investigations
While the community focuses on supporting those left behind, authorities are working to understand how the tragedy happened. Inspectors from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland have started a formal investigation into the specific movements of the vehicles and the site conditions at the time of the accident. Paul O’Brien, another friend of the deceased, mentioned how much he valued the simple moments spent chatting with Mr Kelly, reflecting the quiet void his absence leaves in the lives of many Brisbane residents.
Published Date 25-April-2026
