Emergency services are at the scene of a reported explosion at a Co Donegal service station. Images posted to social media show serious damage to the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough.
A number of units from the National Ambulance Service and the Irish Coast Guard’s Rescue 118 helicopter are assisting the operation. Roads into the village have been closed off.
At present it is unknown if anyone has been injured in the incident. However a number of vehicles have been damaged as a result of falling debris, reports Belfast Live.
Among those gathered at the scene cordon were relatives of people feared to have been in the station at the time of the explosion. There were unconfirmed reports from the scene that people had been buried in the rubble following blast.
A Major Emergency Plan has been sparked at Letterkenny University Hospital as a result of the explosion . It is understood that a number of injured people and are now being treated at the hospital.
A spokesperson for the hospital said "Letterkenny University Hospital is dealing with a serious incident, with multiple injured people requiring immediate attention. The hospital has moved to Major Emergency Standby as it deals with this incident.
"We are appealing to the public not to come to the Emergency Department unless it is an emergency. Please contact your GP or NOW doc service in the first instance. NowDoc has increased staffing this evening to help deal with any additional demands."
Local councillor Donal Mandy Kelly told the PA news agency hearing of the blast was “devastating”. He said: “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.”
Chris MacManus, MEP, posted on Twitter: "Thoughts are very much with the people of Cresslough this evening. Shocking pictures. Really hope everyone is okay. All the best to the emergency services working at the scene."
A spokesperson for the company which runs the service station said: "Applegreen is aware of a serious incident at its dealer-operated location at Creeslough in Co Donegal. Emergency services are on the scene and are dealing with the incident. "
An Garda Siochana are asking motorists travelling towards Creeslough to consider alternative routes.
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