Chip van explosion and fire reported at Rory Gallagher Festival in Ballyshannon

A fire broke this evening at a mobile chip van located at the Ballyshannon roundabout, which is hosting the annual Rory Gallagher Festival weekend, as part of the June Bank Holiday weekend festivities. 

The town's main roundabout at the Allingham Bridge was closed as gardai, fire brigades and ambulances arrived at the scene, with immediate traffic diversions. 

It is understood that a number of people, and possibly up to three in number, were reported to have received burn injuries and were taken to hospital. 

Emergency services at the scene in the aftermath of the fire which happened very close to the Ballyshannon town roundabout

One eyewitness said that the quick thinking of a nearby street vendor with a fire extinguisher, helped out, in the immediate aftermath of the fire, which appeared to have happened after an explosion type noise was heard. He said that the prompt action could have seen the fire escalate quicker. 

Emergency services were also very quickly on the scene and the fire was quickly extinguished. Follow up clear up work has been continuing since and a full investigation from the relevant authorities has already started. 

The chip van was later removed from the location on the back of a large lorry, to an unspecified location.  

Cllr Barry Sweeny told donegallive.ie: 

"It appears that one of the chip vans go on fire and two or three got burned. It was an unfortunate accident and a real pity that it happened. It is a case that it could have ben a lot worse, but for the quick arrival of all the emergency services."

"To date I think it is that biggest festival ever in terms of crowds, it was amazing with the good weather, the quality of music and the colourful sights, but my thoughts are very much for a speedy recovery for that that were injured."