Drogheda Arson Attack: Horror as Mother Says Children “Could Have Died” in Blaze at Asylum Seeker Centre

A woman whose two terrified children were trapped during the Halloween arson attack on an asylum seeker accommodation centre in Drogheda, County Louth, has spoken of their narrow escape, saying they were “lucky to be alive.”

“The children could have died,” the woman, originally from Ghana, told RTÉ News, recounting the horrifying ordeal as Gardaí continued their investigation into the deliberate blaze that left nearly 30 people homeless and shocked the nation.

The woman, who is now staying in temporary accommodation, said she was standing outside the building on Friday night, helplessly waiting for rescuers to bring her eight- and twelve-year-old children to safety. “I don’t know how someone could do this. How can anybody be so cruel?” she asked.

Deliberate Attack Leaves Dozens Displaced

According to Gardaí, the fire—reported at around 8 p.m. on Friday—was started deliberately after a man doused the property’s stairwell with petrol and ignited fireworks inside the building. Several residents, including four children and a baby, were rescued from the top floor by firefighters.

Some victims were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for treatment. Gardaí have launched a full investigation, exploring whether the attack was racially motivated or linked to a past association with the property.

National Outrage and Political Condemnation

The incident drew widespread condemnation from political leaders.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the attack as “abhorrent,” stating:

“To put vulnerable families, including young children, at risk is reprehensible and has no place in our society.”

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan confirmed that fireworks were thrown into the building, saying:

“This was a terrifying ordeal for the women and children living there. A number were taken to hospital. It appears there was a very deliberate attempt to set fire to the building while families, including young children, were inside.”

He added that a full Garda investigation is underway and assured that “those responsible will be held accountable and brought to justice.”

Labour TD Ged Nash also expressed outrage, noting:

“The deaths of children and families were only avoided thanks to the swift response of the Fire Service and Gardaí.”

Community Leaders Speak Out

Sinn Féin TD Joanna Byrne called the attack “arson at best, and attempted murder at worst,” branding the perpetrator a “monster.”

“There are no words strong enough to describe this act of evil. Children and babies were inside — let that sink in,” she said after reviewing CCTV footage of the incident.

Mayor of Drogheda Michelle Hall appealed for witnesses to come forward, calling the act “unbelievably awful.” She said:

“An intruder attempted to deliberately end the lives of people living in emergency accommodation. I urge anyone with information to contact Gardaí.”

Councillor Ejiro O’Hare Stratton, Drogheda’s first Black woman councillor, visited the rescued children over the weekend. She described their innocence as “deeply moving.”

“One asked me if we’d still have the Christmas party like last year, even though they no longer have a home,” she said. “Another wondered if they were still allowed to celebrate Halloween. Their questions remind us why compassion and humanity must always come first.”

Garda Appeal and Security Review

Gardaí confirmed that the fire was started by the discharge of fireworks, following the use of an accelerant. A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the case from Drogheda Garda Station, and investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area.

Authorities are appealing to anyone who was in the Georges Street area between 7:30 p.m. and 8:20 p.m. on Friday, October 31, to contact Gardaí at 041-9874200.

In response to the incident, Minister of State for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Colm Brophy announced an immediate security review of all IPAS centres across Ireland, calling the attack “a truly shocking crime.”

“The deliberate placing of accelerant on a stairway where families were sleeping could have caused an unimaginable tragedy,” he said.