Creeslough, Co Donegal – Two men in their 50s have been taken into custody in connection with a tragic explosion that claimed the lives of ten individuals at a local Applegreen service station in 2022. The victims of the explosion ranged in age from five to 59 years old.
Authorities have shared that the investigation into this devastating incident remains ongoing under the leadership of local law enforcement in the Donegal division, with support from the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) and other relevant agencies. The investigation is focused on determining the circumstances that led to the explosion, with a particular emphasis on the gas system operation and maintenance.
In a recent statement, a Garda spokesperson disclosed that the two suspects, both in their 50s, were apprehended on suspicion of violating the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. The individuals are currently being held at separate Garda stations in Co Donegal in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
While the Irish Times has learned that intentional criminal behavior is not a central focus of the investigation, authorities are closely examining the gas system’s functioning leading up to the tragic event. Collaborating with experts in explosion inquiries and health and safety personnel, Garda investigators are meticulously assessing the gas delivery system’s condition from source to usage points in the area surrounding the service station.
It has been revealed that the two suspects are residents of the local community and are facing investigations for endangerment, as defined by law as actions that create a significant risk of death or serious harm to others. If convicted, the offense carries a maximum penalty of seven years. The authorities are dedicated to uncovering the root causes of the explosion, ensuring that justice is served in memory of the lives lost in this tragic event.