The major relief operation, involving first responders from both sides of the Irish border, was still underway late Friday night. Several injured people taken to hospital.
In a statement, Irish police, An Garda Siochana, said they could confirm that at least three people were killed in the blast. “The operation is still ongoing and An Garda Siochana cannot provide further information about the victims at this time.”
The explosion took place around 3:15 a.m. and could be heard in the area. However, it is not yet clear what caused the explosion.
The local post office, a sandwich shop and a hairdresser were also located on the site of the gas station. “This is your worst nightmare,” Irish MP Pearse Doherty told Irish public broadcaster RTE. According to the politician, a few people are still trapped under the rubble and it was busy at the pump station and the store at the time of the explosion.
Police are using dogs to search for the victims.