Police have launched a murder probe after two children, a man and a woman were killed in a house fire in Waterford City in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Two more children are critical in hospital
Police in Ireland have begun a murder investigation into a suspected arson attack at a house in Waterford City which led to the deaths of a man, woman and two children. Two more kids are critical in hospital.
Fire crews were called to the “well-developed” fire in Waterford early this morning. A number of casualties were removed from the house before the fire was extinguished. Police confirmed a man, woman and two children were killed in what’s reported to be a targeted arson attack.
Waterford has been plunged into “utter devastation and sadness” following the fire. A gardaí spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána are investigating all the circumstances of a fatal house fire that occurred in the Birchwood area of Waterford City shortly after 5am this morning, Tuesday, 13th October 2026.
“Gardaí and emergency services remain at the scene. An Garda Síochána can confirm two adults (one male and one female) and two children are deceased. Two other children have been removed from the scene and are receiving hospital treatment for critical injuries.
“An incident room has been set up at Waterford Garda Station and a senior investigating officer has been appointed. Family liaison officers have also been appointed.
“An Garda Siochána are appealing for information from anyone who may have been in the vicinity of Birch Avenue, Birchwood, Waterford City in the early hours of Tuesday, 13th October to contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. As this is an ongoing evolving incident An Garda Síochána is not in a position to provide any further detail at present.”
Minister of State John Cummins and Taoiseach Micheál Martin have paid tribute to those who have lost their lives in the Birchwood estate. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has described it as a “deeply disturbing situation”.
Mr Martin said details of the incident are still unfolding. Speaking ahead of a cabinet meeting in Dublin, he said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with anybody who has lost their lives and all who are affected. We thank the first responders who are at the scene. We say to everyone to give space to the first responders, to the Gardaí to deal with what clearly is a very worrying and deeply disturbing situation.”
Mr Cummins said: “Waterford has been plunged into utter devastation and sadness this morning with the tragic loss of lives overnight in Birchwood. My deepest sympathies go to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, their friends, neighbours and the wider community.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the emergency services personnel who have been attending what can only be described as a horrific scene.” The Waterford minister called for Gardaí to be given time and space to carry out their investigations.
He added: “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. At times of unimaginable sadness, it is the kindness and solidarity of a close-knit community that can provide some comfort to those who need it most. This is a devastating loss and as a county, we stand together in grief and solidarity at this difficult time.”
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