Seven confirmed dead after Donegal petrol station explosion

Read More

Seven people have been confirmed dead after an explosion at a petrol station in Donegal, with another eight being treated in hospital.

A major search operation was under way at the site, after Friday afternoon’s devastating blast in the village of Creeslough, Co Donegal, ripped through the Applegreen service station and convenience store and adjacent buildings.

Irish police confirmed a further four deaths on Saturday morning, after first responders from both sides of the Irish border went through the night.

In a statement, the Garda said the operation remained in a “search and recovery phase” for further fatalities.

“An Garda S?och?na can now confirm seven fatalities as a result of this incident – three fatalities were confirmed yesterday; four fatalities are now confirmed overnight,” it stated.

“The search and recovery for further fatalities continues. Eight persons were transferred to hospital for medical attention yesterday.”

Among those gathered at the scene cordon on Friday night were relatives of people believed to have been in the buildings at the time.

Sniffer dogs are being used amid the rubble. At one point on Friday night all machinery was turned off and onlookers were asked to remain completely silent as rescue workers attempted to detect survivors beneath the debris.

The taoiseach, Miche?l Martin, said the nation was mourning for the people of Creeslough. Martin said everyone had been left “shattered” by the scale of the tragedy.

“It is absolutely devastating and quite shocking in terms of the enormity of this tragedy, the scale of it. An explosion ripping through the normality of a community, with people going to the shop, the normal toing and froing of life,” he told RT? Radio 1.

“Our sympathies and our hearts go out the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and those who have been injured and to the entire community.

“Community is what defines our people and we are witnessing a terrible tragedy in a wonderful community.”

Martin thanked emergency services from both sides of the border who have helped in the search and rescue effort.

“We pay tribute and we thank, in the warmest way, the emergency services, who went into harm’s way, who did everything they possibly could to rescue, to help and to comfort the community and to all the emergency services, the north-west and in Northern Ireland,” he said.

“We are in great debt of gratitude and we thank them for what they have done. The entire nation is mourning for the people of Creeslough this morning. I think everybody is shattered by the scale of this.

“We will ensure that all the services of the state will be there for the people for the community in the days and the times ahead.”

The president of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, has expressed his shock at the “terrible tragedy” unfolding in Co Donegal.

“May I, as president, express what I know will be the shock shared by all people throughout the country on learning of the terrible tragedy which has unfolded in Creeslough, Co Donegal,” he said.

“All of our thoughts must go out to all of those who have been affected. Those who have received news of the loss of a loved one, those injured and, most of all, those who are waiting with anxiety for news of their loved ones.

“This tragedy is a terrible blow to a community that is closely knit and where every loss and injury will be felt by every member of the community and far beyond.

“Special tribute must be paid to those members of the local community and emergency services across the island who have reacted so swiftly to the scene of the explosion and have continued to work through the night.

“All of our best thoughts and prayers go to those who have lost their lives and their families.”

The Garda has not provided any information about the suspected cause of the explosion.