Traveller site fire ’causes several deaths’

The deaths occurred in Carrickmines in south Dublin after a blaze broke out at about 4am.

“At the moment all I can confirm is that nine people have lost their lives and a number of children are included in this”, said Chief Superintendent Diarmuid O’Sullivan, adding that a few were “as young as six months”. Four people including a child and a baby were taken to hospital.

Emergency services were called to the site on the Glenamuck Road at about 04:00 BST on Saturday.

According to RTE, two adults have also been taken to St. Vincent’s and Tallaght Hospitals to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Local councillor Chris Curran said he believed as many as 8 people have died in the blaze.

There is nothing to suggest arson at this stage, but the area has been sealed off for a forensic examination.

No immediate information about the deceased was provided, but, reports said they were from two separate families. Irish police have reportedly not confirmed the number of dead. “We thank the gardai for their support at this time and appeal to the media to respect the privacy of the families of those who died”, the group said.

President Michael D Higgins told the Press Association: “I am shocked and saddened to learn of the death of at least nine people and the injury to several others in Carrickmines earlier today”.