A house fire in Waterford City has killed a number of people, plunging the area into what Ireland's Minister of State John Cummins described as 'utter devastation and sadness'.
The incident occurred in the Birchwood estate on Tuesday morning (October 13). Gardaí and other emergency services remain at the scene.
A gardaí spokesperson said: "As this is an ongoing evolving incident, An Garda Síochána is not in a position to provide any further detail."
Emergency response
Waterford Fire Service said it was alerted to the house fire at Birchwood Avenue at 5.13am on Tuesday morning. It said: "A number of units from surrounding stations attended and on arrival found a well-developed fire.
"Firefighting operations commenced immediately, and a number of casualties were removed from the two storey house. The fire was extinguished and the scene handed over to An Garda Síochána."
Waterford City and County Council has commissioned the Butler Community Centre in St. John's Park in Waterford city (X91 FEP4) as a Support Hub. Professional supports, refreshments, and facilities are available for those affected by the fire in the Birchwood area.
Tributes and support
Taoiseach Micheál Martin called it a 'deeply disturbing situation'. Speaking ahead of a cabinet meeting in Dublin, he said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with anybody who has lost their lives and all who are affected. We thank the first responders who are at the scene.
"We say to everyone to give space to the first responders, to the gardaí to deal with what clearly is a very worrying and deeply disturbing situation."
Mr Cummins stated: "Waterford has been plunged into utter devastation and sadness this morning with the tragic loss of lives overnight in Birchwood.
"My deepest sympathies go to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, their friends, neighbours and the wider community. I would also like to pay tribute to the emergency services personnel who have been attending what can only be described as a horrific scene."
He added: "I know that in the difficult days and weeks ahead, the community will rally around those affected, offering strength, compassion and support in whatever way we can.
"At times of unimaginable sadness, it is the kindness and solidarity of a close-knit community that can provide some comfort to those who need it most. This is a devastating loss and as a county, we stand together in grief and solidarity at this difficult time."
