Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin says the whole nation is mourning 10 people killed in a devastating explosion at a petrol station as further details of the victims come to light.
the explosion at Creeslough petrol station in County Donegal on Friday claimed the lives of four men, three women, two teenagers – a boy and a girl – and a girl of primary school age.
Teenage rugby player Leona Harper has been named among those killed.
Letterkenny Rugby Club paid tribute to the “talented rugby player” and “an important part of our U14 women’s team” in a post on their Facebook page.
The club said: “We are heartbroken to say that our worst fears have been confirmed… to Leona’s parents, Hugh and Donna, her brothers Anthony and Jamie, and all of her team-mates, we offer our deepest condolences. and our support.
“There are no words strong enough in a moment of deep sadness like this.
“Rest in peace, Leona. »
Jessica Gallagher, who would have been in her early twenties; store clerk Martina Martin; Catherine O’Donnell and her son James; and Hughie Kelly, were all named locally among those who died in the blast.
Four other people, including a girl of primary school age, were also killed.
Eight people injured in the explosion remained hospitalized on Saturday.
The explosion is being treated as a “tragic accident” by Irish police.
Mr Martin went to the scene and spoke with members of the emergency services who had been working around the clock to locate victims following the explosion. The lengthy search and recovery operation ended on Saturday afternoon.
He said there was a “profound sadness” in the village and a “terrible silence” reflecting the enormity of what happened.
“The entire nation is in mourning and deeply saddened.
“A young child in the shop and two teenagers, as well as men and women who also lived their lives.
“It’s a close-knit community and our hearts go out to them.”
Photo: North West Newspix
The Taoiseach added: “Speaking to those on the frontline and everyone involved, they have been very moved by the tremendous support they have received from the community here almost immediately.
“Many volunteers rushed to the scene to try and do all they could to help as it was a horrific scene they came across and we must always remember our emergency services.
“I want to thank them for helping those who have been trapped and injured. We must do everything we can to support the community.
“Words alone will not console someone who has lost a loved one and we need to be with them. We will be with them for a while.”
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Donegal blast was a ‘freak accident’
Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Ireland’s main opposition party, also traveled to Creeslough on Saturday evening, as did the country’s Deputy Prime Minister, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar.
Political leaders then joined emergency service members and local residents for a service for the victims at a nearby church.
Parish priest Fr John Joe Duffy told Mass: “Our hearts are indeed broken, we all feel a numbness, a disbelief that we are truly experiencing this tragedy, that it is real.
“The grief we see in the young and the old shows that this is a family that cares for each other, a real community.
“We all feel the loss, we all feel the pain.
“The days ahead will be difficult days. I wish there was an easier way, but unfortunately there isn’t.
“However, the strength of our community will carry us.”
