An Garda Síochána has confirmed that three people have died following an explosion at a service station in Co. Donegal this afternoon (Friday, October 7).

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said his thoughts and prayers are with those who had lost their lives, and those injured in the explosion in Creeslough.

The Taoiseach said he wanted to extend his thanks to all the members of the emergency services, from across the North-West and Northern Ireland, "who responded so quickly to the scene, and who are working throughout the night in extremely traumatic circumstances".

The Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, has also said his "deepest thoughts and prayers" are with everyone in the Creeslough community following the explosion.

Irish forecourt retailer, Applegreen, also echoed the Minister's response to the explosion.

The emergency response has been led by the Donegal County Council Fire Service supported by An Garda Síochána, the National Ambulance Service and the Irish Coast Guard.

Also participating in the emergency response are the Coast Guard Rescue 118 Helicopter, Irish Air Corps Medivac 112, Northern Ireland Ambulance, Irish Community Air Ambulance (Ground Crew) and the Northern Ireland Urban Search and Rescue.

The Garda said that Meavagh Fire Service, Donegal Mountain Rescue, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HART team (Hazardous Area Response Team) and the Donegal County Council Civil Defence are also part of the emergency response to the explosion.