Three Irish still missing in Bali carnage

THREE Irish tourists were among 25 people still unaccounted for following a massive bomb blast which ripped through two packed bars on the Indonesian resort island of Bali.

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a number of Irish holidaymakers were caught up in the car bomb, which killed at least 187 people. The attack has been linked to al-Qaida terrorists.

"A small number of Irish people were injured in the explosion. However, we can confirm that the injuries are not life-threatening," a spokesman said.

The spokesperson said a number of Irish people had contacted the embassy in Indonesia to confirm their safety. However, three Irish people were among those still unaccounted for. An official from the Irish embassy in Singapore was en route to Bali last night.

The blast occurred at 11pm (local time) Saturday night outside the popular Sari Club, just a few hundred yards from Paddy's Irish Bar.

Geoff Simmonds from Blarney, Co Cork, who is holidaying in Bali witnessed the blast: "I was sitting in Paddy's. After having some craic with some Aussies, I decided to leave and get some food and arranged to meet them again in the same bar later. That decision saved my life. One hour later, I emerged from a cafe to find panic in the streets with people running everywhere. Police, fire ambulance and troops were everywhere.

"At first I thought it was some kind of demonstration or riot - I started to walk back to the Irish bar when I started to see people covered in blood walking towards me. An older Balinese man lay dying.

"Many Aussies walked past covered in blood saying that scores of bodies were lying everywhere and people were dying. Police were turning us all back and there was talk of maybe a booby trap bomb at which point I decided to try and get a taxi the 5km back to my hotel.

"I still don't know whether the Aussies I had been talking with last night are dead or alive. My taxi driver lost his best friend and I know the doorman of the pub I was in had been killed."

Most of those killed or injured were Australian tourists. Volunteers at the hospital in Bali, where the victims were taken, said the dead and injured also included, Swiss, Germans, Swedes, Americans, Britons and Italians.

Paddy's Bar, owned by Cork woman Natalia Daly, was destroyed in one of the explosions. Ms Daly, who has been living in Bali for the past 14 years said there was local speculation that terrorists linked to al-Qaida had been responsible.

Last night, Foreign Affairs Minister Brian Cowen, strongly condemned the attack.

The Department of Foreign Affairs also advised Irish citizens against travelling to Bali.

For further information contact the Department of Foreign Affairs hotline at 1890 426700.