Waterford: Two Children Among Four Dead After House Fire
BBC News NI reports that two children are among four people who died following a house fire in Waterford city, Republic of Ireland, on October 13, 2026.
Gardaí (Irish police) confirmed the deaths of a man and a woman, along with the two children. Two other children were critically injured and are being treated in hospital.
The fire broke out at a two-storey house on Birchwood Avenue at 05:13 local time. Waterford Fire Service responded to a "well-developed fire" and managed to remove several casualties before extinguishing the blaze.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin expressed his condolences and appealed for privacy for first responders. Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane, who knows the family, described the incident as a "heartbreaking" and "unspeakable tragedy."
The housing estate is located about 3km outside the city center, and the Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan, described the community's shock. A support hub has been established at Butler Community Centre in St John's Park for those affected by the fire.
The Mayor of Waterford, Lola O'Sullivan, asked people to avoid speculating about the fire's cause.