Over 1,350 lines of enquiry and 900 interviews: Creeslough explosion probe continues

Over 1,350 lines of enquiry have been followed by Gardai examining last year’s explosion in Creeslough, which claimed the lives of ten people.

Three children were among those killed in the horrific explosion at the Applegreen Complex on October 7, 2022.

Gardai met with family members this week as the first anniversary of the blast approaches on Saturday.

An Garda Síochána continues to be assisted in this investigation by the Health and Safety Authority, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and DNV (Det Norske Veritas), a Norwegian company specialising in the investigation and testing of energy systems.

Gardai have followed up in excess of 1,350 lines of enquiry and taken more than 900 statements.

A Family Liaison Team with a dedicated Family Liaison Officer appointed to each deceased person’s family is in place and continues to support the bereaved families.

The investigation into the incident is co-ordinated from Milford Garda station where an Incident Room is established under the direction of a Garda Senior Investigating Officer.

The probe continues to be supported by other Garda sections; the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI), Garda Síochána Analysis Service (GSAS) and Garda Technical Bureau.

A Garda spokesperson said: “As the first anniversary of the fatal explosion at a building complex in Creeslough, County Donegal approaches on the 7th October, 2023 the victims, their families, friends and the Creeslough community are in our thoughts, at this time.

“An Garda Síochána continues to work diligently and as expeditiously as possible, in the circumstances, to ensure that all the circumstances of this fatal explosion are professionally investigated.”

Five-year-old Shauna Flanagan-Garwe and her father, Robert Garwe (50) lost their lives, as did Catherine O’Donnell (39) and her 13-year-old son, James Monaghan. Leona Harper, aged 14, and Jessica Gallagher (24) were killed along with shop assistant Martina Martin (49). James O’Flaherty (48), Martin McGill (49) and Hugh Kelly (59) were the other victims of the horrific explosion.

This weekend, a special memorial service and commemoration will be held at the site of the explosion while Saturday’s vigil Mass at St Michael’s Church in Creeslough  will be offered in memory of the ten and in thanks to all who responded by Fr John Joe Duffy, the local curate who became a public face of the tragedy in the days and weeks afterwards.