Gardai investigating the tragic explosion at a building complex in Creeslough, County Donegal have issued an update this evening.
They are continuing to investigate all of the circumstances into the cause of a fatal explosion and have extended the timeline for the preservation of the scene in order to “search for and collect evidence to facilitate the ongoing investigation.”
An Garda Síochána thanked the local community in Creeslough, Co. Donegal and the general public for their ongoing assistance in the investigation of this explosion.
READ MORE: Heartbroken sister posted card to Donegal explosion victim just one hour before she died
They acknowledged the impact this has had on the community as well as the ongoing inconvenience and disruption caused by the ongoing preservation “which is necessary to assist the investigation,” a spokesperson said.
They went on to thank the local community “for their patience and support regarding the current road traffic diversions,” and confirmed that the current road closure on the N56 through Creeslough will remain in place for the time being.
In a statement, the spokesperson explained: “Today An Garda Síochána has made a further application before the High Court to extend the period of the preservation of the scene, under Section 5, Criminal Justice Act, 2006.
“This extension has been granted to 27/11/2022. The purpose for the preservation of the scene is to ‘preserve, search for and collect evidence’ to facilitate the ongoing investigation.
“This investigation is being coordinated from Milford Garda station where an Incident Room has been established under the direction of a Garda Senior Investigating Officer.
“The investigation is being assisted by, amongst other Garda sections, the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI), Garda Analysis Service, Garda Technical Bureau, Garda National Traffic Bureau (GNTB) and Garda Air Support Unit (GASU) together with enquiry teams are made up of Gardaí attached to Local, Divisional, Regional and National units.
“A Memorandum of Understanding has been agreed upon and signed between An Garda Síochána, the Health and Safety Authority and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities to facilitate the sharing of information and resources between the agencies.
“The Garda National Technical Bureau (GNTB) Crime Scene Managers remain on scene assisting the investigation. DNV – Det Norske Veritas – a global company specialising in the investigation and testing of energy systems, remain on site.”
They said a “careful and systematic” approach is being taken in relation to the forensic examination of the scene due to the “structural instability of the building,” which is being closely monitored by those on site.
Speaking about the developments that have been made so far in this extensive investigation gardai confirmed that, to date:
- In excess of 500 lines of enquiry have been actioned
- House-to-House enquiries are at an advanced stage and a canvass of further witnesses remains ongoing.
- In excess of 260 statements have been taken, with interviews continuing on a daily basis
- Numerous items have been recovered from the scene to date, with an amount of these requiring further testing, This is ongoing and it is likely that further items will be recovered for examination over the coming days.
- A large amount of debris has been removed from the site to a secure location for further examination
- A Garda Mobile Command Unit remains at scene where a large amount of CCTV is being reviewed
The statement concluded by saying: “An Garda Síochána’s thoughts continue to be with the families of the deceased of this fatal explosion and the injured and their families.
“An Garda Síochána is working diligently and as expeditiously as possible, in the circumstances, to ensure that all the circumstances of this fatal explosion are professionally investigated.”
READ NEXT:
Special rule could see politicians drinking later than punters despite new laws
Gardai braced for revenge attack after Tallaght submachine gun ambush
Bank holiday Sunday and Monday opening hours for Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, and more
All you need to know about Dublin Marathon road closures and alternative routes
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
