Cresealough, County Donegal has been left in shock after an explosion at a petrol station claimed the lives of 10 people in 2022. The tragic incident included a five-year-old girl among the victims, leading to the arrest of two men in connection with the blast, which have now been released without charge.
The investigation into the explosion, conducted by the local Gardaí division, continues as authorities plan to submit a file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The small village of Cresealough, located in the north-west of Ireland, approximately 15 miles from Letterkenny and 30 miles from the Northern Ireland border, remains in mourning with a population of around 400 people.
The victims, consisting of four men, three women, two teenagers, and a young girl, were from Cresealough and its surrounding areas. The community has been devastated by the tragedy, which resulted in the highest number of civilian casualties in the county in decades, with eight individuals also receiving medical treatment for their injuries.
Gardaí have been diligently investigating the incident, opening over 1,350 lines of inquiry and gathering more than 900 statements within the first year after the explosion. Despite earlier speculations of a gas leak being a potential cause, the circumstances surrounding the blast are still under scrutiny by authorities, striving to provide a thorough and professional examination of the tragic events.
The recent arrests made in connection to the explosion mark a significant development in the case, shedding light on a potential breakthrough in uncovering the truth behind the devastating loss of life. As Gardaí continue their efforts to bring closure to the grieving community of Cresealough, the memory of those lost in the explosion remains a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of seeking justice for the victims.