Following an explosion at a Donegal petrol station, seven people are confirmed dead.

Eight more people are currently being treated at hospital for injuries. Emergency workers from both sides continue to search the area in Creeslough, which was devastated by the fire.

Friday afternoon’s blast caused extensive damage to the Applegreen convenience store and service station, as well as other buildings and vehicles.

Micheal Martin, the Irish Prime Minister, described it as “darkest day” for Donegal & Ireland.

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Rescue workers are using sniffer dogs. At one point, all machinery was shut down and everyone onlookers was asked to keep silent while workers searched for survivors under the rubble.

After announcing three deaths on Friday night, the Irish police announced four more in a statement Saturday morning.

According to the force, a search operation was ongoing for “further deaths” and recovery operations were underway.

There is no indication as to the cause of the explosion.

Martin stated that he was thinking of those who lost their lives and those who were injured by the Creeslough explosion.

“I want to offer my deepest sympathy to their family and friends and to the entire Creeslough community on these darkest days for Donegal as well as the country.

“People on the island will feel the same shock and devastation that Creeslough felt at the tragic loss of their lives.

“I want to thank all members of the emergency service, from across North-West and Northern Ireland who responded quickly to the scene and who worked throughout the night in extremely traumatizing circumstances.”

Sky News’ John O’Donnell, Councillor, stated that it was very difficult in a small rural community.

“Everybody is completely numb here, we’re all just in shock.”

John Joe Duffy, a local priest, said that “we’re just broke-hearted. Everyone is broken-hearted. We’re lost for words.”

“I appeal for prayers from the people of this country and the nation to pray for us, and for strength to make it through these difficult hours, and difficult days.

Joe McHugh, Donegal MP, said that families and friends of those who fear missing were facing a difficult waiting period.

He said, “We’re just sitting here, my sympathies are with a lot family members and their friends, it is a very difficult time now.”