‘Eight killed, including a child’ in blaze at traveller site near Dublin

Eight people are feared to have been killed in a fire at a traveller site south of Dublin. The deaths were reported after six fire crews and three ambulances went to the scene near the M50 at Carrickmines in the early hours of Saturday morning. Two adults and two children were taken to hospital, according to police and fire service statements, while one person was rescued by firefighters using breathing apparatus. Sinn Féin councillor Chris Curran said a “well-known and well-liked” family was involved. He added: "I’ve heard information locally that as many as eight people have passed away and a young child remains in hospital.“

This family were well-respected in the community. The children and family were well integrated and had friends outside the traveller community

Carrickmines resident

There was nothing to suggest that the fire was suspicious. There were three generations of the family living on the site, including young grandchildren, it was understood. Mr Curran said: "It certainly seems that the poor family in this case that has been affected have been living in this area for a very long time, certainly in my knowledge probably at least twenty [years]. An awful lot of people would have known them. They would have been well-liked and well-known.” Another resident added: “"The Gardaí just told us that there’s likely more than four dead but they haven’t told us any more.”

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