10 dead including children in Donegal tragedy

Search for more casualties now over.

The search for survivors following Friday's filling station explosion in Creeslough in Donegal is now over, with the death toll reaching 10 persons including children.

Four men, three women, two teenagers – one male and one female- and one younger female child lost their lives following the incident on Friday, October 7.

Alongside the ten confirmed fatalities, a further eight people continue to receive treatment in hospital.

A search operation at the scene concluded this afternoon, and no further casualties have been located.

The Garda Technical Bureau have commenced an examination of the scene, and are said to be investigating all possible circumstances behind the blast.

Their investigation is being carried out 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 both been notified. Post-mortem examinations of the deceased are expected to take place over the coming days.

Garda Family Liaison Officers have also been appointed, and are providing support and information to those impacted by this tragic incident.

An incident room has been established at Milford Garda Station to lead the investigation and engage with families.

The HSE's Psycho Social Response Team are among the agencies actively engaging with the community at the present time.

Officials remain present in Creeslough providing counselling support to members of the community. They will continue to provide this presence over the coming days.

Each bereaved family will be offered the contact details of an identified support person.

Wider community support services will be available over the coming weeks and months as required.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly meanwhile expressed his deepest sympathies to all of those who have been affected by the terrible tragedy.

"Like many across the country, I’m stunned and saddened by the harrowing event’s that occurred yesterday.

"All of my thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones, those recovering, and the local community of Creeslough."

He furthermore thanked all the members of the community, National Ambulance Service, Fire Brigade and the staff of Letterkenny Hospital who responded with "heroism and haste" and "tirelessly worked" throughout the night to deal with tyhe fallout from this devastating situation.

"I would also like to give special thanks to the staff of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Air Ambulance who came to the assistance of their colleagues”