One dead after light aircraft crash in Waterford

Eva Osborne

One person has died after a light aircraft crashed in Waterford on Thursday afternoon, The Irish Times has reported.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a collision, which occurred at approximately 12:50pm, at a location near Tramore, Co Waterford.

Gardaí said that, as this is a live and ongoing operation, no further information is available at this time.

The deceased was the only person on board the aircraft, according to The Irish Times.

The small-twin engine aircraft was travelling south from Sligo to Béziers in southern France.

According to open source flight data, the aircraft experienced engine trouble about 50km south of Ireland. It turned around and prepared for an emergency landing at Waterford before crashing in a nearby field.

The Vulcanair P68C can accommodate six people and is chiefly used for short-range transport and flight training.

The Air Accident Investigation Unit of the Department of Transport is investigating the incident with the emergency services and the Irish Aviation Authority.

Sinn Féin TD for Waterford David Cullinane said a rescue helicopter was among emergency services responding to the crash.

He said it was a “shock” to the local area, adding that the community’s thoughts are with whoever was on the plane.

Additional reporting: PA.