The explosion of the Applegreen gas pump on a busy Friday afternoon in the center of the town in northwestern Ireland is one of the worst tragedies in recent years.
In Ireland there is talk of a ‘tsunami of sorrow’. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said yesterday that the massive loss of life in Creeslough has an impact on the whole country. Irish President Michael D. Higgins spoke of a “terrible blow” to the close-knit community.
Residents today walk in amazement along the disaster site, which looks like a war zone. The victims — four men, three women, a teenage boy and girl, and a five-year-old girl — were all from the area. Among the dead are also a mother and her son. Several names are now known. For example, the Letterkenny Rugby Club paid tribute to Leona Harper, a talented rugby player.
Eight people are still being treated in hospital for injuries sustained in the explosion, Irish broadcaster RTE reports. One of them is in mortal danger. Irish police are fully investigating the cause of the blast, but for now, much would point to a tragic accident. It may have been a gas leak, according to Irish media.
The major rescue and recovery operation, which also involved emergency services from the British Northern Ireland, has now been completed. Many volunteers helped, again from both sides of the border. Last night, ten red candles were lit in Creeslough chapel in the presence of various political leaders. They will continue to burn for the next seven days.
Pastor Father John Joe Duffy said on the occasion: “Our hearts are broken, we all feel a kind of numbness, a disbelief that we are really experiencing this tragedy, that it is real. We are a family that cares about each other, a real community. We suffer the loss, we all feel the pain. The coming days will be difficult days. I wish there was an easier way, but unfortunately there isn’t.”
Meanwhile, Ireland’s state-owned company An Post (which provides postal services) has asked the Irish to donate from tomorrow to a relief fund at its 902 offices across the country. An Post is working with the Red Cross to provide assistance to relatives, injured or homeless people due to the explosion.
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