CARS and rubble are being cleared from the scene of the explosion at a petrol station in Creeslough as rescue efforts continue this evening.
Local concrete lorries and tractors have been lifting rubble as a number of people remain trapped inside the building.
It follows an explosion which happened just after 3pm today which caused extensive damage.
Emergency crews remain at the scene tonight and are being assisted by local people.
A specialist rescue team along with specialist officers from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service have been deployed. Personnel from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) are also assisting.
“Our thoughts are with all the emergency response teams at the scene and those who were caught in the explosion,” said a NIAS spokesperson.
A six kilometre airspace restriction has been put in place around Creeslough village in order to facilitate airlifting of the injured to hospitals and no drones are allowed into the exclusion zone.
The Sligo based Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 118, the Mulroy Coast Guard team and the Irish army helicopter are assisting the operation.
Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue said this evening his prayers are with everyone affected.
“My deepest thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the awful incident in Creeslough this afternoon. Thinking of the emergency services personnel involved this evening too.”
Applegreen have released a statement this evening extending their thoughts and prayers to everyone impacted.
“Emergency services are continuing to deal with a major incident at Creeslough in Co Donegal. The thoughts and prayers of everyone here at Applegreen are with all of those who have been affected.”
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