Gardaí investigating the fatal explosion that occurred at the Applegreen service station in Creeslough, Co Donegal on October 7, 2022, have made significant progress in their inquiry. Authorities have arrested a man and a woman in connection with the tragic incident that claimed the lives of ten people.
On Monday, local gardaí announced that a man and a woman, both in their 40s, were taken into custody. They face alleged offences contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. The suspects are currently being held under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at separate Garda stations within Co Donegal.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the explosion remains under the jurisdiction of local gardaí in the Donegal Division. However, it is receiving support from various agencies, including the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Health & Safety Authority, and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities. Authorities are committed to uncovering the circumstances that led to this devastating event.
Previous Arrests
Earlier this year, two men in their 50s were also arrested in connection with the explosion. However, they were subsequently released without charge. The complexity of the case has necessitated thorough examination, and investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
Victims Remembered
The explosion resulted in the loss of four men, three women, and three young people, whose ages ranged from five to 59. All of the victims were from the local area surrounding Creeslough. Their names and ages are as follows:
- Catherine O’Donnell (39) and her son James Monaghan (13)
- Robert Garwe (50) and his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan Garwe
- Leona Harper (14)
- Jessica Gallagher (24)
- James O’Flaherty (48)
- Martin McGill (49)
- Martina Martin (49)
- Hugh Kelly (59)
