Meath house fire, Damage caused by the fire
The two sisters who died in a fire at their home in Oldcastle, County Meath, have been named. They were four-year-old Michelle and eight-year-old Anne-Marie Fitzsimons. Garda technical experts are preparing to examine the scene of the fire. The alarm was raised at a house in Ballinvalley, Oldcastle, County Meath, after midnight. It is understood that frantic efforts were made by parents and neighbours to try and rescue the two girls but they were beaten back by the flames and smoke.
The girls' parents and four other children, the oldest of whom is 16, were taken to Cavan General Hospital. It is believed that a number of neighbours were also admitted. They are suffering from shock and from the effects of smoke inhalation. A hospital spokesperson said that they were all in a stable condition. Post mortems will be carried out on the young victims, probably later today.
