A significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation of the Donegal service station explosion that killed ten people has occurred with the arrest of a man in his 40s.
UPDATE AT 10:00 AM – In a significant development regarding the tragic explosion at a Donegal service station that claimed ten lives, law enforcement has arrested a man in his 40s. This marks the sixth arrest connected to the incident that devastated the village of Creeslough in October 2002.
The suspect is currently being interrogated under allegations related to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, as confirmed by gardaí.
The Incident and Its Impact
The explosion occurred at the Applegreen service station and adjacent apartments, resulting in the deaths of four men, three women, and three children, aged between five and 59.
Among the deceased were Robert Garwe and his five-year-old daughter, Shauna Flanagan-Garwe, alongside other victims including Catherine O’Donnell and her son, James Monaghan. The tragedy shocked the local community, leaving families grappling with profound grief and searching for answers.
Currently, the arrested individual is being held at a Garda station in Dublin. Investigators from Milford Garda station are coordinating the inquiry with various agencies, including the Health and Safety Authority of Ireland. The investigation aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion, which remains a source of pain and confusion for the victims’ families and the wider community.
Community’s Demand for Answers
In light of this latest arrest, families affected by the tragedy are voicing their frustration over the lack of transparency in the investigation. Jessica Gallagher’s sister, Lisa, expressed the community’s sentiment, stating, “No one seems to be willing to help us find out why our family members and our loved ones are dead.” Such remarks highlight the emotional toll this incident has taken on families seeking closure and understanding.
Lisa Gallagher emphasized the necessity for answers not only for their personal grief but for the entire Creeslough community. “The entire country deserves to know what has happened so it doesn’t happen again,” she added, reflecting an urgent call for accountability and the prevention of similar incidents in the future.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to pursue inquiries rigorously. The timeline of events leading up to the explosion is critical for understanding how such a disaster could occur. The community remains hopeful that further arrests or revelations may eventually provide the clarity they seek.
As the investigation unfolds, attention remains on gardaí and their efforts to deliver justice to the victims and their families. Each new lead is closely monitored, with the hope that it will illuminate the path toward resolution in this heartbreaking case.
