Following the explosion at Creeslough in Donegal yesterday, the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) activated their Crisis Management team who are continuing to monitor the tragic events.
Nine people have been confirmed dead, with men women and children all among the fatalities.
The NDFEM released a statement on the matter.
Donegal Fire Service responded rapidly to the scene of the explosion, activating full Incident Command procedures and undertaking a very extensive search and rescue operation.
The Northern Ireland Fire Service responded to assist Donegal Fire Service, deploying specialist Urban Search & Rescue assets to the scene to help locate and extricate casualties.
Donegal Fire Service have been working with the National Ambulance Service, the Irish Coast Guard, Civil Defence, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to locate and rescue persons trapped by fallen debris at the incident site. This operation is on-going.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, who has responsibility for the NDFEM, said:
“I want to convey my deepest sympathies to the community of Creeslough and to everybody affected by this terrible event in Donegal.
“I’d like to thank Donegal Fire Service and all our emergency services for responding so quickly and professionally as well as acknowledge the assistance provided by the Northern Ireland Fire Service and our colleagues across the border.
“Our NDFEM Crisis Management Team will continue to monitor the situation with Donegal County Council and provide any assistance necessary.”
