Several people killed in house fire in Waterford, Ireland

Summarised from 4 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 13 Oct, 10:38 · Archive

A fire at a house in Waterford, Ireland has resulted in several fatalities, including children according to local media.

A fire at a domestic residence in the Birchwood estate in Waterford City began at approximately 5.13am on Tuesday morning. Waterford Fire Service received an emergency call from a member of the public and found a well-developed fire at the house on Birch Avenue, Kilcohan. Several fire crews from surrounding stations attended the scene.

A number of fatalities have been reported. Local radio station wlr.fm reported that the fatalities are understood to include children, though official confirmation of the death toll has not yet been provided.

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.' The Mirror reports that police suspect an arson attack.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the situation as 'deeply disturbing' and said details are still unfolding. Speaking ahead of a cabinet meeting, 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.'

Minister of State John Cummins said: 'Waterford has been plunged into utter devastation and sadness this morning with the tragic loss of lives overnight in Birchwood.' He called for Gardaí to be given time and space to carry out their investigations and said the community would offer support to those affected in the days ahead.

How it is being reported

• Waterford fire - latest: Several dead 'including children' as police 'suspect arson'A fire at a house in Waterford in Ireland has resulted in a number of deaths, police have said, with local media saying children are among those killedThe Mirror · 13 Oct, 10:33
• Number of people dead after house fire in WaterfordA number of people have died after a fire at a house in Waterford.Sky News · 13 Oct, 10:25
• Waterford ‘plunged into utter devastation’ following fatal house fireEmergency services remain at the scene.Evening Standard · 13 Oct, 10:19
• Reports of several killed in Ireland as crews tackle Waterford house fireSeveral people are thought to have died in a house fire in Ireland.Independent World · 13 Oct, 08:56
• 'Number of people dead' in Waterford house fire 'including children' as police flood sceneEmergency services have been called to a residence in the Birchwood area of Waterford city at approximately 5.13am - it is understood that there are several fatalitiesThe Mirror · 13 Oct, 08:46
• Fatalities reported in Waterford fireEmergency services are at the scene.Evening Standard · 13 Oct, 07:52

In this story: Waterford · Micheál Martin · John Cummins · Gardaí · Waterford Fire Service · Birchwood estate

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem