Ten people have been killed in an explosion in Co Donegal in what has been described as "the largest number of civilian casualties seen in decades" in the region.
Gardai said that four men, three women, two teenagers and a younger girl of primary school age all died when a blast ripped through a petrol station in the village of Creeslough on Friday, October 7 shortly after 3pm.
Eight further people also at the service station at the time of the explosion have been transported to hospital. One person, who is in critical condition, has been transferred to Dublin, while the other seven remain in a "stable condition" at Letterkenny Univerisity Hospital.
Read more: At least three people dead in Creeslough Applegreen explosion
Friday afternoon's blast tore through the Applegreen service station and convenience store and adjacent buildings. The complex is also home to a number of other small businesses, including a hairdressing salon.
It's understood the apartment block, situated above the service station, was home to a number of young families.
Gardai did not provide any information on the suspected cause of the explosion, however, a spokesperson said it was believed to be a "tragic accident".
Speaking at a press conference at Milford Garda Station on Saturday afternoon, Garda Superintendent David Kelly said the incident was a "tragedy for the community" which has left "many families devastated".
Paying tribute to emergency services involved in the operation, he said: "That is what it is to be in Donegal, we look out for each other.
"Forgive me if I get a bit emotional, you're dealing with the public, you know.
"But I would say in terms of what we did … at this point in this time, we have to keep an open mind as a police service in how we investigate this.
"Our information at this point in time is pointing towards a tragic accident. That said, being a Garda, I have to take a holistic and overall viewpoint but that's where we're going at the moment."
Garry Martin, director of emergency services for Donegal County Council, said 65 fire service personnel were sent to the scene across Friday and Saturday, including personnel from Northern Ireland.
He added: "Our primary focus yesterday was to lead on the search and recovery of the injured and to stabilise what was a substantially-damaged building including many displaced and broken concrete slabs."
Rubble and other debris were pictured being moved onto the back of trailers with diggers and carried from the scene earlier on Saturday morning. Sniffer dogs were also deployed to help find some of the victims who sadly died.
A GoFundMe page has been setup to raise money for the families of the victims, with over €50,000 being raises so far.
Earlier on Saturday, the Church of Ireland Bishop for Derry and Raphoe told MyDerry that the tragedy would "go on for years" for those affected.
"Any one of us could have been popping into a shop to get our groceries, getting petrol in our car or living in our apartment," he said.
"We can understand something of the devastation that an event like this brings and I think that is why it has broken the hearts of people right across this island. This is one of the moments in life that all of us will remember forever."
The Irish Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, said the incident was an "unspeakable tragedy".
He said: "That will be long remembered... that solidarity and that sense of strong community between the essential services.
"The entire nation is shocked at what has happened."
Irish President Michael D Higgins said his thoughts and prayers were with those who have lost their lives, and their families.
In a statement, the Irish President said: "May I, as president, express what I know will be the shock shared by all people throughout the country on learning of the terrible tragedy which has unfolded in Creeslough, County Donegal."
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the local Gaelic Athletic Association club in Creeslough, Naomh Michaeál, Liam McElhinney said it would take the community 'years to get over the tradegy'.
He said: "I was in shock when the news came through. I myself had just left the shop at half two so it just shows you could be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"Some of the people that have died are known personally by myself and it's very hard to watch.
"It could have been any of us... it's a massive thing to happen in our community and it'll take a long time to get over it."
The aunt of one of the victims told this publication that the family was "in total disbelief", adding that they didn't want to give any further comment at this time.
Another person, who didn't want to be named but is a local resident and lives close to the scene, said the 'heart had been ripped out of the community'.
"No one can believe it," they said. "I was at home at the time and heard the explosion. It shook the entire house and I knew straight away that something really bad had happened.
"Everyone is in shock. It's a dark, dark day for Creeslough and Donegal. One we will find hard to move on from."
Search and rescue efforts are expected to continue this evening and over the coming days, however, a Garda spokesperson said they are not expecting any further casualties.
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