Creeslough, Co Donegal, Ireland – Authorities released a man in his 60s who was arrested in connection to the 2022 explosion that tragically took the lives of 10 individuals in October. This development comes as part of the ongoing criminal investigation into the devastating incident at the Applegreen service station.
The man was brought in for questioning on Thursday under suspicion of offenses related to the Non-Fatal Offenses Against the Person Act 1997. While he has now been released without charge, An Garda Síochána confirmed that a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions as the investigation continues to unfold.
Among the victims of the explosion were individuals of varying ages, ranging from five to 59 years old. The devastating event claimed the lives of individuals such as Robert Garwe, Catherine O’Donnell, Jessica Gallagher, and Celtic fan Martin McGill, leaving a lasting impact on the community of Creeslough.
Local law enforcement in Donegal, with the support of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, has been leading the investigation. Collaborating with agencies like the Health and Safety Authority and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, authorities have been meticulously examining every detail related to the incident since its occurrence.
The focus of the investigation has been on the gas system within the buildings at the site where the explosion occurred, including an apartment block. While no evidence suggests tampering with the gas system, thorough scrutiny has been placed on how it was operated and maintained, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice.
In previous developments, two individuals were detained earlier in the investigation, marking significant progress in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the explosion. Both arrests in March and May were followed by the release of the individuals in question, as authorities continue to compile evidence and build a case to present to the Director of Public Prosecutions.