Gardaí have launched a murder investigation after an arson attack on a house in Waterford City claimed the lives of two adults and two children. The deaths of the man and woman and two of their children were confirmed on Tuesday morning. Two other children were critically injured in the blaze.
Emergency services were called to the house in the Birchwood area shortly after 5am on Tuesday. Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit has made a public appeal for information.
Murder investigation launched
Chief Superintendent Pettit said: “An Garda Síochána has commenced a murder investigation into the arson attack and fatal house fire that occurred at a domestic residence in Birch Avenue, Birchwood, Waterford City, this morning.” He confirmed that emergency services, including Waterford Fire Service, the National Ambulance Service and gardaí, responded to the fire shortly after 5am.
“Two adults (a male and a female) and two of their children died in the fire. Two more of their children are currently admitted to Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Crumlin where they are receiving treatment for critical injuries,” he added. The senior officer said the house in Birch Avenue has been declared a crime scene.
Appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage
Gardaí believe the fire was started deliberately. They are appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity of Birch Avenue, Birchwood, between 4.30am and 5.30am on Tuesday morning to come forward. Drivers in the area during that time who may have dashcam footage or images are also urged to make the footage available.
Ireland’s Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan condemned the attack, saying it has had a “very significant impact” on people across the country. He said he has spoken with the Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, who assured him that a murder investigation, supported by the National Bureau for Criminal Investigation, is under way.
Community and political reaction
Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the fire as “deeply disturbing” and thanked first responders at the scene. Minister of State John Cummins, who is from Waterford, said the city has been “plunged into utter devastation and sadness”. Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan of Waterford and Lismore noted that the two children who died “should be at school on this beautiful day in the sunshine”.
Father Gerard Chestnutt, parish priest at Sacred Heart Church at The Folly in Waterford, said it was a “day of immense sadness” for the community. A neighbour who rang emergency services when the fire broke out said: “It’s just devastating – a whole family nearly wiped out.” Waterford Fire Service said it was alerted to the fire at 5.13am and found a well-developed fire on arrival. Waterford City and County Council has commissioned the Butler Community Centre in St John’s Park as a Support Hub, offering professional supports, refreshments and facilities for those affected.
