Taoiseach: Waterford arson attack ‘deeply disturbing’ as four deaths confirmed

Gardaí have launched a murder investigation after an arson attack on a house in Waterford City claimed the lives of two adults and two children.

The deaths of the man and woman and two of their children were confirmed this morning. 

Two other children were critically injured in the blaze.

Emergency services were called to the house in the Birchwood area shortly after 5am today.

Gardaí appeal for information 

A gardaí spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána have commenced a murder investigation into the arson attack and fatal house fire that occurred in the Birchwood area of Waterford City shortly after 5am this morning, Tuesday, 13th October 2026.

“An Garda Síochána have confirmed that two adults (one male and one female) and two of their 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 Síochána are appealing to any person with any information on this multiple murder and arson attack to contact the Garda investigation team.” 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin paid tribute to those who died, describing the fire as “deeply disturbing”.

He said his thoughts and prayers are with those who died.

“We thank the first responders who are at the scene,” Mr Martin added.

“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.” 

Day of 'immense sadness' 

Father Gerard Chestnutt, who is parish priest at Sacred Heart Church at The Folly in Waterford, said it was a “day of immense sadness”.

“People are devastated, in particular here in the Birchwood estate, because the family are well known,” he told reporters at the scene of the fire.

“The community is well established, it’s a very tight knit community. As you can see, there’s many people out on the street here, and they’re all absolutely heartbroken.

“But it goes beyond here as well. The wider community is absolutely devastated. Our school communities, the primary schools are absolutely heartbroken, both the staff and students.

“And I would know the family very well. It’s a day of immense sadness for this entire community.” 

He added: “There’s no words even that people can find to try to grasp or try to understand what’s happened.”