Boy, 12, narrowly escapes gas station blast that killed his father and nine others

Hundreds gathered to pay their respects to Donegal blast victim James O'Flaherty, described as a "great father and partner " who did everything he could for his family

Ten people were killed in an explosion in the village of Creeslough in County Donegal (

Image: PA)

A 12-year-old boy narrowly avoided death in an explosion at an Irish petrol station that killed ten people, including his father.

James O'Flaherty's son Hamish sat in the car outside as his father burst into the store before the devastating blast on the outskirts of Creeslough, Donegal, people have learned mourners at the man's funeral.

Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects to James, who was described as "a wonderful father and partner", as well as Catherine O'Donnell and James Monaghan.

Gifts were presented at the altar at the start of Mass to reflect James' life, reports the Irish Mirror.

A Roald Dahl book, “Going Solo,” was featured as James and his son read the book together before his untimely death.

James O'Flaherty was killed in the explosion (

Picture:

PENNSYLVANIA)

A box of chocolates was also presented to reflect James' sweet tooth.

Mourners heard that Mr O'Flaherty, originally from Sydney, learned Irish and was a nature lover.

They also learned that Mr O'Flaherty lived with his wife, 'the love of his life', and their 'brave, talented and kind' son on the outskirts of the village of Dunfanaghy, with their house overlooking New Lake where the Atlantic Ocean could be seen in the distance.

The funeral service heard that Mr O'Flaherty was a man of faith, and that faith had been a source of comfort and a "safe anchor" for Tracey and Hamish and the wider family.