The first victims who tragically lost their lives in the massive explosion at a petrol station in Co Donegal have been named.
Tributes have flooded in for a teenage girl and a 23-year-old woman who were among the ten killed in yesterday's blast at the Applegreen Service Station in Creeslough.
The victims were identified as teenager Leona Harper and former student Jessica Gallagher, 23, who is thought to have lived above the petrol station.
Leona was a beloved sister and talented rugby player, who played for the under 14 team, and lost her life in the explosion on Friday.
Her death was announced by her brother, Anthony, and the local rugby club in Letterkenny on Saturday evening.
READ MORE: Gardai give update on cause of horror Donegal petrol station explosion as death toll rises to 10
Letterkenny Rugby Club wrote on Facebook: "We are heartbroken to say our worst fears have been confirmed. Leona Harper tragically lost her life yesterday in Creeslough.
"Leona was a talented rugby player and an important part of our U14 girls team. To Leona's parents, Hugh and Donna, her brothers Anthony and Jamie, and all of her team mates, we offer you our deepest condolences and support.
"There are no words that feel strong enough at a moment of deep sorrow such as this.
"Rest in peace, Leona."
Her brother shared a picture in tribute, saying he "couldn't have asked for a better little sister".
He wrote: "Leona I love you so much and we all love you so much."
A 23-year-old woman has also been named as one of the 10 people killed in the explosion.
Jessica Gallagher, a former design student, and her boyfriend reportedly lived in a flat above the petrol station.
She died in yesterday's blast, which also injured her boyfriend, who is understood to be in hospital.
Jessica's relative John McGeady wrote on Facebook: "R.I.P. I'm sure you're all heard about the gas explosion in Creeslough.
"Unfortunately our cousin Anthony Gallagher has lost his daughter Jessica in the explosion.
"Jessica was in the same year at school as my daughter Fionnuala.
"Our thoughts are with her parents and two sisters and also so with all the friends and families of all the other victims of this disaster."
Catherine O'Donnell and her 14-year-old son James are also understood to have been killed in the blast along with a five-year-old girl and her dad, and a local farmer in his 60s.
The explosion - for which the cause is believed to be accidental - ripped through the Applegreen service station and convenience store and adjacent buildings.
A major recovery operation involving first responders from both sides of the Irish border extended overnight and into today.
Emergency services do not expect to recover any further victims from the rubble and there are no outstanding missing person reports.
All 10 victims were from the Creeslough area.
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