Three people have died in an explosion at a service station in Co Donegal, Ireland.
The blast happened shortly after 3pm at Applegreen service station, on the outskirts of Creeslough, where a search operation is ongoing with the help of sniffer dogs.
Photos showed a number of cars damaged by the debris, with what appears to be a block of flats behind the forecourt largely destroyed.
Councilor John O’Donnell previously told Sky News: “This is very, very tough here in a small rural town.
“Everyone is completely asleep here; we’re all in shock.”
A spokesman for University Hospital Letterkenny said shortly after the explosion that it was “dealing with a serious incident, with multiple injuries requiring immediate attention”.
“The hospital has been moved to major emergency standby status as it deals with this incident.
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“We appeal to the public not to come to the Emergency Department unless it is an emergency.”
Retailer Applegreen confirmed there was a “serious incident” at one of the locations operated by the retailer.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: “My thoughts and prayers are tonight with the entire community of Creeslough following today’s devastating blast.
“Thinking also of all the emergency services, from across the North West and NI working in a very traumatic situation.”
Those involved in the emergency response include Donegal County Council Fire Service assisted by An Garda Siochana, the National Ambulance Service, the Irish Coast Guard, the 118 Rescue Helicopter from the Coast Guard, the Irish Air Corps Medivac 112, the Northern Ireland Ambulance HEMS, the Irish Community. Air Ambulance (Ground Crew), Northern Ireland Urban Search and Rescue, Meavagh Fire Service, Donegal Mountain Rescue, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HART Team (Hazardous Area Response Team) and Donegal County Council Civil Defence.
Residents have been asked to stay away from the area.
Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said it was a “very sad and tragic day”.
He thanked Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann for the emergency equipment he provided to help the situation in Creeslough.
In a post on Twitter, Coveney said: “Sincere thanks for your help today Robin. A very sad and tragic day.”