Four people, including two adults and two children, have died following a house fire in Waterford city this morning.
Gardaí confirmed that a man and a woman, along with two children, were killed in the blaze at a property in the Birchwood estate, in the St John’s Park area, around three kilometres from the city centre. Two other children have been taken to hospital with critical injuries.
A major emergency response remains under way at the scene, with Gardaí maintaining a cordon around the semi-detached property as investigations continue. Waterford Fire Service and personnel from Gas Networks Ireland have also attended.
Gardaí have established an incident room at Waterford Garda Station, and a senior investigating officer has been appointed. Family Liaison Officers are also in place to support relatives.
Gardaí have described the incident as ongoing and evolving and have appealed to the public to give emergency services the time and space needed to carry out their work.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has expressed his condolences to those affected, describing the situation as deeply disturbing and urging the public to allow first responders to continue their work.
RTÉ reports that Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane, who knows the family, has also expressed his devastation, saying he was utterly heartbroken by the news.
The circumstances surrounding the fire remain under investigation.
