Lorry driver among first at scene of Donegal explosion recalls comforting victims in final moments

A lorry driver has recalled being one of the first people at the scene of a gas explosion in Co Donegal.

Colin Kilpatrick drove into Creeslough minutes before disaster struck, before unloading at a nearby agricultural store across the road from the site of the explosion.

Ten people were killed at the Applegreen Service Station in Creeslough on the afternoon of Friday, October 7.

"It wasn't such a bang but a force, it would've moved me in the lorry," Colin said.

"It blew the sunroof from the inside out of the lorry.

"There was stuff everywhere, it was just devastation."

Colin was one of the first people at the scene to help in the search for survivors among the rubble, and comforting some of the victims in their final moments.

"There wasn't much thinking, it was just getting stuck in.

"I now think I was meant to be there.

Once the emergency services arrived, Colin then operated a dumper truck to remove rubble and make access to the site of the explosion easier for them.

He was there for nearly 24 hours.

Colin has organised a lorry run to Creeslough next Saturday in a bid to raise funds to help support survivors of the tragedy.

Drivers from across the Republic and Northern Ireland are being encouraged to take part.

Following the lorry run, an auction and dance have been organised in Letterkenny to raise additional funds.

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