Five people including children feared dead after car plunges off pier

Updated

Five people, including a number of children, have died after a vehicle went off a pier in Co Donegal, according to reports.

It is understood six people were in the vehicle when it went into the water at Buncrana shortly after 7pm.

A major air and sea rescue mission was mounted.

Malin Head Coast Guard confirmed that an infant had been recovered alive and has been taken to the nearby Letterkenny hospital.

The exact circumstances of how the car, believed to have a Northern Ireland registration plate, ended up in the water have not yet been determined.

Two lifeboats, a helicopter and local fishing boats were involved in the efforts to save those trapped inside the car.

There are unconfirmed reports that the young child was handed out a window to rescuers while the other children are thought to be of primary school age.

Witnesses have described the scene as chaotic.

A Garda spokesman said emergency crews were still at the scene.

He said: "Gardai and emergency services are at the scene of an incident that occurred at Buncrana Pier this evening.

"A car entered the water and a search of the area is currently ongoing.

"No further information at present."

Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said he was saddened by the news.

He said on Twitter: "Very sad news of fatalities in an incident at Buncrana Pier tonight. Thoughts are with relatives of those involved and rescue services."

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