The parents of 14-year-old Leona Harper, one of the ten people who lost their lives in the explosion in Creeslough, have spoken on local radio about their "gem" of a daughter and having to wait 24 hours to get her out.

Donna and Hugh Harper told Highland Radio this morning that Leona was the last person taken out during the search and rescue operation.

"I personally know the digger driver, a massive thank you to him because he didn't stop until he got her," said Ms Harper.

She paid tribute to the doctors and said everybody was amazing in how they treated them, "from start to finish with nothing but respect".

Mr Harper described his daughter as "a little gem" and "who loved life".

"She was very friendly, a lovely person, very quiet and laidback".

He said she loved being outdoors "walking through the fields, going fishing, spending time with friends and going to car shows".

"She was very special, she will be very sorely missed," he said.

The couple told Highland Radio that after the explosion on Friday afternoon, they had a painful wait as they were told that their daughter was trapped in the building, but also that there was a possibility that she had been removed to hospital.


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