‘The search and recovery for further fatalities continues’
Seven people have been confirmed dead after an explosion at a petrol station in Donegal on Friday, with another eight being treated in hospital as police continue in a “search and recovery phase”.
The blast in the village of Creeslough, Co Donegal, tore through the Applegreen service station and convenience store and adjacent buildings. The cause of the explosion is not yet known, but a gas leak is thought to be the most likely cause, Independent.ie reported
On Saturday, Irish police confirmed a further four deaths, adding to the three earlier confirmed.
The Independent, said a number of children are still missing and that the death toll is expected to increase further on Saturday.
In a statement, Ithe Garda said: “An Garda Síochána can now confirm seven fatalities as a result of this incident – three fatalities were confirmed yesterday; four fatalities are now confirmed overnight.
“The search and recovery for further fatalities continues.
“Eight persons were transferred to hospital for medical attention yesterday.”
Several people trapped after massive explosion destroys Donegal Applegreen service stationhttps://t.co/eeZEl0MQeP
— Belfast Telegraph (@BelTel) October 7, 2022
Relatives of those believed to have been at the scene when the explosion happened were said to have gathered at the police cordon on Friday night.
The Guardian reported that at one point, crowds were asked to remain silent as rescue workers listened out for survivors. Sniffer dogs are being used at the scene.
The Irish premier Micheal Martin said Friday was the “darkest of days” for Donegal and Ireland.
“My thoughts and prayers are today with those who have lost their lives, and those injured in the devastating explosion in Creeslough,” said the Taoiseach.
“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.”
Ireland’s police force, An Garda Síochána, has not provided any information as to the suspected cause of the explosion.
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