Several fatalities after explosion at Donegal property
An Garda Síochána continue to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding an explosion at a premises in Creeslough, County Donegal, yesterday.
A total of ten fatalities have now been confirmed arising from this incident (four men, three women, two teenagers – one male and one female, and one younger female child).
A further eight people continue to receive treatment in hospital.
A search operation at the scene has concluded and no further casualties have been located.
The Garda Technical Bureau have commenced an examination of the scene, with assistance from other expert agencies including the health and safety authority and national utility companies.
The local Corner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified and post-mortem examinations will take place over the coming days.
Garda Family Liaison Officers have been appointed and are providing support and information to those impacted by this incident.
An incident room has been established at Milford Garda Station.
Traffic diversions on the N56 at the scene of the incident remain in place.
No additional information is available at this time.
TRIBUTES: "A terrible blow to a community."
In a statement President Michael D. Higgins expressed his shock 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.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said his thoughts and prayers are today with those who have lost their lives, and those injured in the devastating explosion in Creeslough.
"I wish to express my deepest sympathies to their family, and friends, and to the entire community of Creeslough, on this darkest of days for Donegal and the entire country.
"People across this island will be numbed by the same sense of shock and utter devastation as the people of Creeslough at this tragic loss of life.
"I would like to thank all the members of the emergency services, from across the North-West and Northern Ireland, who responded so quickly to the scene, and who are working throughout the night in extremely traumatic circumstances."
"The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has expressed sympathies with the community of Creeslough, Co Donegal, and offered full support to emergency workers.
INMO General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha said:“Our deepest sympathies are firstly with the families who have tragically lost a loved one following yesterday’s incident in Creeslough. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anam.
“Our thoughts and solidarity are with our colleagues across the emergency services who have been working on the scene since yesterday.
"In the middle of a terrible tragedy, emergency services and Letterkenny University Hospital staff are doing all they can to support the bereaved and the wider community of Creeslough.
“INMO members in Donegal are now operating in extremely difficult circumstances.
"Our organisation will continue to offer our full support and solidarity with our members in the North-West in the extremely difficult days and weeks ahead.”