The manager of Letterkenny University Hospital, Sean Murphy, revealed how they were forced to discharge some patients on Friday to prepare for an expected rush of patients from the blast.
The hospital launched the Emergency Protocol Plan on Friday evening as news of the tragedy broke.
Mr Murphy thanked all those who cooperated and paid tribute to his staff and the emergency services.
He also confirmed that eight people including children were admitted to the hospital.
As well as their own ambulance personnel, private ambulance operators offered their services.
“As with all these emergency situations we see the best in our health service.
“We did have to discharge patients as were were not sure how many casualties we were going to receive but additional GPS were put in place and they remain in place today.
“We opened up a community assessment hub and additional nurses were also mobilised.”
Mr Murphy confirmed among the casualties were children and some of those injured were relatives of staff members at the hospital.
“Yes, there were children admitted and families waited in the hospital to hear news and to find out if their loved ones had been brought to the hospital.”
He added “This morning we are thinking of all the families so tragically affected and I want to pay tribute to all those who help in any way and that includes the members of the public who were so understand and also the staff at the hospital.
“All we can do is to offer our condolences,” he said.
