Emergency services were called to a property in the Birchwood estate, approximately 3km from Waterford city centre, in the St John’s Park area.
The incident has left residents deeply shaken, with a palpable sense of grief and disbelief throughout the estate.
Gardaí have established a wide cordon around the semi-detached property where the fire broke out, preventing the house from being seen from the surrounding area. Several units of Waterford Fire Service, along with personnel from Gas Networks Ireland and a significant Garda presence, remain at the scene.
The family who live at the property are understood to be well known locally, and residents who gathered nearby appeared visibly distressed by the unfolding situation.
Gardaí have described the incident as “ongoing and evolving”, stating that it would not be appropriate to release further information at this stage. However, it is understood that authorities believe a number of people may have died.
Officers have appealed to the public to allow emergency personnel the time and space needed to respond to the incident and carry out their investigation, highlighting the sensitive nature of the circumstances.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has expressed his condolences to those affected, saying his thoughts and prayers are with the people who lost their lives.
Speaking as he arrived for this morning’s Cabinet meeting, Mr Martin acknowledged that he did not yet have the “full details” of what had happened. He described the situation as “very worrying and deeply disturbing” and urged the public to “give space to first responders” as they continue their work.
Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane, who knows the family involved, has also spoken of his devastation at the news.
According to RTÉ, Mr Cullinane said his heart went out to the family and their relatives, adding: “I’m just utterly heartbroken.”
Gardaí have not yet released further details about the circumstances surrounding the fire, as emergency services continue to deal with the incident.
