Gardaí have yet to formally confirm the number of fatalities following a serious house fire in Waterford City this morning, however it is understood that at least one adult man and three minors have died.

Emergency services were called to the property at approximately 5.13am, with Gardaí, firefighters and ambulance personnel remaining at the scene.

Two other children, including a teenager and a young child, are understood to be receiving treatment for significant injuries and are due to be transferred from University Hospital Waterford to Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

Gardaí say investigations are ongoing and, due to the sensitive and evolving nature of the incident, they are limited in what they can confirm at this stage.

The Taoiseach has described what happened in Waterford as a ‘very worrying and deeply disturbing situation’.

Community in shock

Waterford TD David Cullinane told WLR that people across the city are devastated by what has happened.

‘People are in real shock and people will be heartbroken,’ he said.

‘I knew the family myself, I actually met them very recently, so it’s very raw for people.’

Mr. Cullinane also appealed to people not to speculate online while Gardaí and emergency services continue their work.

‘It’s really important that online people don’t speculate. An Garda Síochána have their job to do,’ he said.

‘We need to trust all of the first responders and An Garda Síochána to do their job, and I’m sure they will do it well.’

A resident in the area told WLR the incident had had a profound effect on the local community.

‘I’ve never seen something take such an effect on a community and take such an effect on a group of people like it has today,’ they said.

‘We’ve all just been in shock.’

The resident said they did not know the family personally, but had heard they were ‘lovely people’ who were trying to settle and live their lives.

‘All we can really do now is just be there for each other,’ they added.

Support hub opens

Cllr. Joeanne Bailey, who knew the family, said her ‘heart and soul’ goes out to their loved ones and friends.

A support hub has now opened at Butler Community Centre in St John’s Park for those affected by the tragedy.

Cllr. Bailey said she and Waterford City and County Council Director of Services Seán De Faoite discussed the need for a support space this morning, with the community centre subsequently contacted and opened for friends, family members, neighbours and others impacted.

Waterford City and County Council says refreshments and access to facilities are available at the centre, with Cllr. Bailey encouraging anyone who needs support to attend.

Political reaction

Minister of State and Waterford TD John Cummins said the county had been plunged into ‘utter devastation and sadness’.

‘My deepest sympathies go to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, their friends, neighbours and the wider community,’ he said.

He also paid tribute to emergency services personnel responding to what he described as a horrific scene.

‘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,’ Mr. Cummins said.

Garda investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fire remain ongoing.