The sounds of shovels and diggers clearing rubble at the scene of yesterday afternoon's explosion was the only noise in Creeslough, Co Donegal yesterday evening as locals waited for news of loved ones.
The Applegreen service station in the village was the scene of an explosion shortly after 3pm.
The site holds a petrol station, post office, shop and hairdressers as well as a number of apartments. The explosion caused the building to partially collapse, with a number of cars damaged.
Last night, local people gathered around outside the garda cordons, speaking in hushed tones as they waited for news about loved ones who were in the shop or the apartments at the time of the explosion.
Local man Kieran Gallagher heard the explosion from his home and said it sounded like a bomb and he knew it was something tragic.
He has since been helping with the aftermath, directing traffic and helping the emergency services.
Bishop Alan Guckian and local Parish priest Fr John Joe Duffy and Presbyterian Minister Rev Susan Moore have been in the midst of the community this evening and are encouraging people to pray, especially for those who may receive bad news.
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Donegal Fine Gael TD Joe McHugh said it is very much a waiting game, but people are working shoulder to shoulder.
He said his heart goes out to all who are affected by what is a tragedy for this tight knit community.
Emergency services from Donegal and Northern Ireland continue to work at the scene alongside local volunteers.
Earlier, local Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty said that a number of people remain "trapped" at the scene in what he said was a "worst nightmare".
His party and constituency colleague Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said the news was "devastating".
Another local TD, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue, said his "deepest thoughts and prayers" were with all those affected.
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the awful incident in Creeslough this afternoon.
— Charlie McConalogue (@McConalogue) October 7, 2022
Thinking of the emergency services personnel involved this evening too.
Independent TD Thomas Pringle said he was "deeply saddened" by the news and paid tribute to all those who responded so quickly.
I'm deeply saddened hearing the tragic news coming from Creeslough this evening. My thoughts are with those affected.
— Thomas Pringle T.D. (@ThomasPringleTD) October 7, 2022
With sincere appreciation for those who have responding so quickly.
