Survivors and Families Sue Over Creeslough Tragedy Aftermath

Further legal action has emerged following the tragic explosion at the Applegreen service station in Creeslough, Co Donegal, which occurred on October 7, 2022. Survivors and relatives of the victims have initiated lawsuits primarily focusing on personal injury claims against various parties, including the operators of the service station and a management company associated with nearby apartments.

The newly filed lawsuits involve multiple defendants. Among them are Donegal County Council, Vivo/Shell Limited, Applegreen Limited, the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, and members of the Lafferty family. Notably, the plaintiffs include the families of victims Leona Harper, aged 14, and Martina Martin, aged 49.

Details of the Incident

The catastrophic explosion at the Applegreen service station resulted in the loss of ten lives. The deceased included individuals ranging from children to senior citizens, such as James O’Flaherty (48), Jessica Gallagher (24), Martin McGill (49), Catherine O’Donnell (39) with her son James Monaghan (13), Hugh Kelly (59), Robert Garwe (50), and his daughter Shauna Flanagan Garwe (5). The community continues to mourn these tragic losses, and numerous families have expressed a strong desire for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event.

In light of the ongoing legal actions, several families affected by the explosion have called on the Irish Government to establish a public inquiry into the tragedy. Last year, Donegal County Council supported a motion advocating for such an inquiry. Meanwhile, a Garda investigation into the explosion remains active, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Government Response and Future Steps

In discussions regarding the investigation’s progress, former Tánaiste Micheál Martin emphasized the importance of completing the Garda investigation and related health and safety reports before deciding on further actions. He stated, “The investigation is not yet complete… I think we should await the completion of that in the first instance, and the various health and safety reports and then assess where we need to go forward.”

Additionally, families impacted by the explosion have reached out to former Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, requesting an independent investigation to be established. The tragic event has left a significant mark on the community, highlighting the need for accountability and a clear understanding of the factors that led to the explosion.

As legal proceedings unfold, the affected families will likely continue to seek justice and closure in the wake of this devastating incident. The outcome of these lawsuits may also play a critical role in shaping future safety regulations and protocols within the community and beyond.