A Joint Statement from the Archbishop of Armagh, The Most Revd John McDowell; the Archbishop of Dublin, The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson; and the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, The Right Revd Andrew Forster following the tragedy in the village of Creeslough, in County Donegal, in which 10 people lost their lives.
“On behalf of Church of Ireland people across this island, we wish to express our sympathy to all who have been bereaved as a result of the tragedy in Creeslough, in County Donegal. Our hearts also go out to those who have been injured and to their families, along with the assurance of our prayers in the weeks to come. May all who have been affected in any way by the tragedy know the presence of the God of all comfort very near to them.”
Bishop Andrew spent much of the morning and early afternoon in the village of Creeslough, along with the Bishop of Raphoe, Most Rev Alan McGuckian. The two church leaders met relatives who had lost loved ones, emergency and rescue service workers, and local people who had helped in the rescue effort.
Ten people were killed in the explosion which demolished a filling station and a number of apartments in the village on Friday afternoon. A teenage boy and girl, and a girl of primary school age were among those who lost their lives. Four men and three women also died.
Eight people were taken to hospital for treatment, including one person who has been transferred to a Dublin burns unit.