Creeshlough, County Donegal, Ireland – Two men who had been arrested in connection with a deadly explosion at a petrol station in 2022 that claimed the lives of 10 individuals have now been released without charge. Among the victims of the blast was a five-year-old girl, highlighting the tragic toll of the incident in Creeshlough on October 7.
The men, both in their 50s, were taken into custody and subsequently released as Gardaí continues its investigation into the explosion that rocked the small village. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation, led by the Donegal division, remains ongoing, with plans to pass along a file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for further review.
Located in the northwest of Ireland, Creeshlough is a close-knit community situated approximately 15 miles from Letterkenny and 30 miles from the border with Northern Ireland. The village, home to around 400 residents, was left devastated by the tragic events that unfolded, claiming the lives of four men, three women, two teenagers, and the young girl.
On the first anniversary of the explosion, Gardaí emphasized their commitment to a thorough investigation, having pursued over 1,350 lines of inquiry and recorded more than 900 statements. These recent arrests mark a significant development in the case, shedding light on a tragedy that rocked the county and resulted in the highest number of civilian casualties in decades.
Initially treated as a tragic accident, authorities are exploring various theories surrounding the blast, with a gas leak being one of the leading possibilities. Eight individuals also suffered injuries in the incident, underscoring the widespread impact of the explosion on the community and the significant efforts being made to bring closure to those affected by the tragedy.