Chip van explosion and fire reported at Rory Gallagher Festival in Ballyshannon

A fire broke out on Friday night at a mobile chip van, located near the Ballyshannon town roundabout.

The Erne Town is hosting the Rory Gallagher International Festival weekend, as part of the annual June Bank Holiday weekend festivities being held in the Erne Town. 

The town's main roundabout at the Allingham Bridge was immediately closed as gardai, the fire service and ambulances arrived at the scene, with immediate traffic diversions being put in place, for what is the busiest weekend of the year, in terms of visitors coming to the south Donegal town. 

It is understood that a number of people, and possibly up to three in number, were reported to have received burn injuries and were taken to hospital. The exact extent of the injuries are not known, at present.

Emergency services at the scene in the aftermath of the fire which happened very close to the Ballyshannon town roundabout

One eyewitness said that the quick thinking of a nearby street vendor with a fire extinguisher, helped out in the immediate aftermath of the fire, which appeared to have happened after an explosion type noise was heard.

He said that the prompt action of the individual prevented what could have seen the fire escalate much more quickly. 

Moments after the fire started 

Emergency services were also very rapidly on the scene and the fire was quickly extinguished.

Follow up clear up work has been continuing since then and a full investigation from the relevant authorities has already commenced. 

The chip van itself, was later removed from the location on the back of a large lorry, to an unspecified location.  

Cllr Barry Sweeny from Ballyshannon told donegallive.ie: 

"It appears that one of the chip vans went on fire and two or three people were injured. It was an unfortunate accident and a real pity that it happened.

"It is a case that it could have been a lot worse, but for the quick arrival of all the emergency services."

"To date I think it is the biggest festival ever in terms of crowds, it was amazing with the good weather, the quality of music and the colourful sights, but my thoughts are now very much with those who were injured and we wish them a speedy recovery."