King Charles and Queen Camilla have sent a message of condolences to the people of Creeslough after the tragic explosion at a petrol station that claimed the lives of ten people.
His Majesty wrote: “My wife and I were filled with immense sadness when we heard of that appallingly tragic explosion at Creeslough, County Donegal”, adding, “However inadequate this may be under such shattering circumstances, we wanted you to know that our most heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences are with those families and friends who have lost their loved ones in this devastating tragedy, together with yourself and the people of Ireland.”
It was supposed to be a normal Friday in the small County Donegal village in Northern Ireland; instead, at 3:15 pm, a loud explosion rocked the community, taking down the petrol station, the shops around it, and a portion of the apartment complex right behind it.
While emergency first responders immediately started rescue operations, the accident claimed the lives of ten people, whose names have now been published. Eight more people are still being treated in hospital for injuries; one is in critical condition in the intensive care unit of a Dublin hospital. The other seven are reported to be stable and recovering in local hospitals.
The news sent a shockwave of grief all around the world, with the community receiving condolences messages from King Charles, as well as the Pope and UK and Irish authorities.
The community has demonstrated a sense of togetherness as their village fell silent during the weekend, a sign of the grief that has snaked its way into the life of the 400 inhabitants of Creeslough.
King Charles and Queen Camilla had paid a visit to County Donegal in 2016 when they were still the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, and they “remember with the greatest fondness meeting people from across Donegal […] and the strong sense of community that exists there,” the monarch wrote in his message.
Their Majesties have already visited Northern Ireland as King and Queen, as have the Prince and Princess of Wales, who were there just last week.
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