THE ten people who lost their lives in the horror service station explosion have been named and pictured by gardai this afternoon.
The victims are Catherine O'Donnell, 39, and her 14-year-old son James Monaghan; Robert Garwe, 50, and his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan Garwe; 14-year-old Leona Harper; Jessica Gallagher, 24; James O'Flaherty, 48; Martin McGill, 49; Martina Martin, 49, and 59-year-old Hugh Kelly.
They lost their lives after an explosion rocked the village of Creeslough, Co Donegal, on Friday afternoon.
Post mortems will be carried out on their bodies "over the next few days", gardai said.
Eight people are still being treated for their injuries in hospital.
One person remains critical at a Dublin hospital and seven others are in a stable condition at Letterkenny University Hospital.
Gardai have said they are continuing to investigate "all of the circumstances" into the cause of the blast.
A spokesperson said this afternoon: "The investigation is being coordinated from an incident room at Milford Garda Station.
"The Garda Technical Bureau, with assistance from other agencies, will continue to examine the scene, which remains cordoned off. These examinations are likely to continue over the coming days. Traffic diversions on the N56 at the scene of the incident remain in place.
"A total of 10 fatalities have been confirmed arising from this fatal explosion.
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"The remains of the deceased are at Letterkenny University Hospital where State Post Mortems have commenced under the direction of Dr. Heidi Okkers, Assistant State Pathologist.
"These Post Mortems will continue over the next few days. Results will not be released for operational reasons.
"One male in his 20s remains in a critical condition in St. James Hospital, Dublin.
"The seven other surviving casualties continue to receive treatment in Letterkenny University Hospital and remain in stable condition.
"The 10 fatalities included four men, three women, two teenagers (one male and one female) and one younger female child. Garda Family Liaison Officers have been appointed to the families and are continuing to provide support and information."
'NOTHING SHORT OF HELL'
Tributes are being paid to the deceased victims on social media with condolences sent to their heartbroken families.
Leona's devastated dad has told how the past 24 hours have been "nothing short of hell".
Hugh Harper thanked the Letterkenny Rugby Club after they paid tribute to the young woman.
It is understood she was buying an ice cream in the Applegreenwhen the blast happened.
He said: "The past 24 hours have been nothing short of hell.
"Unfortunately Leona was in the explosion in Cresslough and she didn't survive, along with nine others.
"Knowing that we have the support of the club and its members offers us huge support. Thank you."
He added: "Leona loved rugby although this year she was taking time out for boxing. But her first love was Letterkenny Rugby Club."
Letterkenny Rugby Club took to social media yesterday to pay tribute to the popular teen.
They said: "We are heartbroken to say our worst fears have been confirmed. Leona Harper tragically lost her life yesterday in Creeslough.
"Leona was a talented rugby player and an important part of our U14 girls team."
They added: "To Leona's parents, Hugh and Donna, her brothers Anthony and Jamie, and all of her team mates, we offer you our deepest condolences and support.
"There are no words that feel strong enough at a moment of deep sorrow such as this. Rest in peace, Leona."
Gardai are treating the horrific blast at the petrol station as a "tragic accident".
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