Creeslough victim’s mother speaks of grief and guilt four years on
The mother of the youngest victim of the Creeslough explosion in Co. Donegal has spoken on the fourth anniversary of the tragedy, expressing her continuing grief and the painful guilt that her daughter and husband died while performing "a simple act of love" – buying a birthday cake for her. The explosion claimed ten lives, and whilst seven people have been arrested, no charges have yet been filed, leaving grieving families desperately seeking answers about how this catastrophe was allowed to occur.
Five-year-old Shauna Flanagan Garwe was killed alongside her father Robert when the Applegreen petrol station and shop was destroyed on 7 October 2022. Among the ten victims were three children: Shauna, 13-year-old James Monaghan and 14-year-old Leona Harper. The families remain determined to secure justice and prevent similar tragedies, with the Garda investigation now awaiting direction from the Director of Public Prosecutions on whether criminal charges will be brought.
- Creeslough explosion mother speaks on fourth anniversary of loss
- Daughter, 5, and husband died buying her a birthday cake
- Seven arrested but no charges filed; families seek answers
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On 7 October 2022, an explosion destroyed an Applegreen petrol station and shop in Creeslough, Co. Donegal, killing ten people. It was one of the deadliest such accidents in recent Irish history.
Among those who died were three children: five-year-old Shauna Flanagan Garwe, thirteen-year-old James Monaghan and fourteen-year-old Leona Harper. The tragedy affected numerous families and communities across the region.
The investigation continues more than four years later, with seven people arrested but no criminal charges filed. Families of the victims are seeking answers about what caused the explosion and whether such an incident might have been prevented.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “‘It was a simple act of love’: Mother of the youngest victim of the Creeslough disaster reveals her hidden heartache from that tragic day… and the misplaced guilt that she can’t escape”.