In an absolutely tragic set of circumstances, 10 people died yesterday after a horrific fire broke out in a Dublin halting site.
A pregnant mum and a 6-month-old baby are believed to be two of the victims of the fire.
The fire started at around 4am at the halting site on the Glenamuck Road in Carrickmines, South Dublin. Flames engulfed a complete site of the halting site, engulfing a portacabin killing two couples, five of their children and another man.
Thomas Connors, 28, his wife Sylvia, 25, and three of their children – Jim, Christy and 6-month-old Mary, Sylvia’s brother Willy Lynch, his partner Tara Gilbert and their children, Jodie, eight and 4-yr-old Kelsey were all tragically killed in the fire.
A third son of Thomas and Syliva, 5-year-old Michael, was lucky to escape the blaze because he was staying with his grandparents quite close to the scene of the incident.
The traveller community are said to be devastated after what happened. They are said to be rallying around the community and families of the victims involved.
Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has asked that all those who have died, the injured and their families be remembered in prayer at all Masses in the Archdiocese this weekend.
Supt Martin Fitzgerald appealed for anyone with information about the fire to contact them at the incident room in Dun Laoghaire Garda station on 01 666 5080 or on the Confidential Line on 1800-666-111.