A man in his 40s arrested in connection with the Creeslough explosion, which claimed 10 lives in October 2022, has been released without charge, GardaĆ have confirmed.
The man, who was the sixth person detained as part of the ongoing inquiry, was released on Friday evening. A file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who will decide whether charges should be brought at a later stage. GardaĆ emphasised that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
The deadly explosion occurred on October 7, 2022, at a service station in the small Co Donegal village of Creeslough, devastating the local community and prompting a major emergency response. The blast tore through the building, which housed a shop and post office, killing 10 people and injuring several others. Among the victims were both locals and passers-by, including children and young adults.
Since the incident, GardaĆ have been conducting one of the largest and most complex investigations in the history of the Donegal Division. Officers from the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation have been supporting the inquiry, alongside specialist agencies including the Health and Safety Authority and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities.
The multi-agency probe has focused on determining the precise cause of the explosion, whether safety regulations were breached, and if any criminal liability arises. GardaĆ have carried out extensive interviews, collected technical evidence, and analysed material from the scene in what they describe as a painstaking and detailed process.
In recent months, several individuals have been arrested for questioning under caution, but all have so far been released without charge. Investigators have stressed that the arrests are part of standard procedure in a case of this complexity and that no conclusions should be drawn until the DPP reviews the evidence.
The tragedy, which shocked Ireland and drew messages of condolence from across the world, continues to weigh heavily on the Creeslough community. Memorial services have been held to honour the victims, and local representatives have called for answers about how the disaster occurred.
In a statement, GardaĆ said: āThe investigation into the Creeslough explosion remains ongoing, led by the Donegal Division with support from national and specialist agencies. A file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the man released without charge.ā
As the investigation continues, families of the victims and the wider public await clarity on the circumstances that led to the fatal blast nearly three years ago.
