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The scene of the light aircraft crash in Tramore, Waterford on Thursday. Photo: Shauns_Aviation on X
Today at 15:05
A light aircraft has crashed on the Waterford coast at lunchtime on Thursday.
Emergency services, including Rescue 117, are currently at the scene, which is between Waterford Airport and Tramore.
The light aircraft, which is believed to be a twin engine plane, apparently crash landed in a field southwest of Waterford Airport.
The aircraft involved is not believed to be a commercial flight.
A major incident has been declared, with gardaí, paramedics, Coast Guard and Waterford Fire Brigade personnel deploying to the site.
It’s understood the small aircraft crashed in a field at a farm in the townland of Lisselan. Around 20 to 30 members of the emergency services were at the scene at about 2pm. Weather conditions were described as good at the time.
The Waterford-based Sikorsky rescue helicopter also deployed to the site in support. Emergency services raced to the scene of the incident on the Tramore to Dunmore road.
Major damage is understood to have been sustained by the front section of the aircraft. It appears the aircraft went nose-first into the ground as it attempted to land.
The tail-section of the aircraft was left standing upright after the plane came to a standstill. Initial indications are that the pilot was seriously injured in the incident.
It is not yet clear how many other people were on the plane. The incident took place at approximately 12.50pm this afternoon.
Gardai and emergency services are currently at the scene. A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said that as this is an ongoing operations, “no further information is available at this time”.
A major investigation into the accident is now expected to be launched by the Air Accident Investigation Branch at the Department of Transport.
The R685 between Tramore and Waterford city is partially closed and motorists are advised to use alternative routes.
More to follow
