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Seven people have now been confirmed dead after an explosion at a petrol station in Donegal.
Emergency crews on both sides of the Irish border continue a major search of the devastated site of Creeslough village, with eight other people being treated in hospital for injuries.
The explosion Friday afternoon ripped through the Applegreen service station and convenience store, causing widespread damage, including surrounding buildings and cars.
Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin described it as the “darkest day” for Donegal and Ireland.
Sniffer dogs were used in the rescue operation, and at some point Friday night, all machines were shut down and onlookers were asked to remain in complete silence as crews tried to spot survivors beneath the debris.
After announcing three deaths on Friday night, Irish police confirmed four other deaths in a statement Saturday morning.
The force said search and recovery operations continued for “further deaths”.
The suspected cause of the explosion was not stated.
Mr Martin said: “My thoughts and prayers are with those killed and injured today in the devastating bombing of Chryslow.
“I would like to express my deepest sympathies to their families, friends and the entire Creeslough community during these darkest days in Donegal and the entire country.
“People across the island will be numb to the shock and utter devastation that this tragic loss of life will bring.
“I would like to thank all the emergency services from the North West and Northern Ireland who responded so quickly to the scene and worked through the night in an extremely traumatic situation.”
MP John O’Donnell told Sky News: “It’s very, very difficult in a small village.
“Everyone here is completely numb – we’re all in shock.”
Local pastor John Joe Duffy said: “We’re just heartbroken, everybody’s heartbroken, and we’re speechless.
“What I’m calling for is the prayers of the people of the county and the country, pray for us, help us, and give us the strength to get us through the tough times and the tough times ahead.”
Donegal MP Joe McHugh said friends and family members of those concerned about missing people were going through a very difficult waiting period.
“We’re just waiting here, and my sympathies and thoughts go out to the many families here and their friends and loved ones, it’s a very tough time to wait right now,” he said.
Fiona Matthews, Applegreen Ireland’s managing director, said the company was “deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the devastating news of the loss of life in today’s tragic events”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased, those injured and the wider Creeslough community,” she said.
“Creeslough is a small village with a supermarket and Applegreen outlet run by our local partners at the heart of the community.
“Like the rest of Ireland, tonight we stand in solidarity with this community.”
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