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10th Oct 2022

King Charles filled with “immense sadness” following Creeslough tragedy

Kat O'Connor

“Filled with immense sadness”

King Charles has issued a statement following the petrol station explosion in Creeslough, Donegal.

The 73-year-old sent a message of condolence to the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.

He shared;

“My wife and I were filled with immense sadness when we heard of that appallingly tragic explosion at Creeslough, County Donegal.

“We remember with the greatest fondness meeting people from across Donegal when we visited in 2016.

Charles also praised the people’s “strong sense of community”.

“However inadequate this may be under such shattering circumstances, we wanted you to know that our most heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences are with those families and friends who have lost their loved ones in this devastating tragedy.”

He extended his sympathies to the people of Ireland.

10 people tragically lost their lives in the petrol station explosion on October 7th.

Gardaí identified the deceased and released their names with the consent of their loved ones.

They have been named as James O Flaherty, 48 years, Jessica Gallagher, 24 years, Martin McGill, 49 years, Catherine O Donnell, 39 years, and her son James Monaghan, 13 years.

Hugh Kelly, 59 years, Martina Martin, 49 years, and Leona Harper, 14 years were also among the dead.

50-year-old Robert Garwe and his 5-year-old daughter Shauna also died in the explosion.

The public can make donations to those affected by the tragedy by donating here.

An Post is also accepting donations through the Creeslough Community Support Fund at all post offices. You can make a donation at your local post office from today, October 10th.

We’re keeping the people of Creeslough in our thoughts during this unthinkable time.

We’re also thinking of the emergency services who have been working tirelessly since October 7th.