Six people have been confimed dead while a further six have been injured following the crash of a Manx2 commuter flight between Belfast and Cork this (Thursday) morning.
The flight (numbered NM7100), which had 10 passengers and two crew on board, crashed in heavy fog at Cork Airport at 9.45am approximately.
Witnesses at the scene spoke of the plane bursting into flames, after the aircraft attempted to land for the second time (a figure confimed by the Aviation Authority).
Other unconfirmed reports suggested that the plane crashed on its third landing attempt.
The resulting crash turned one half of the plane upside down, with debris reported to be scattered over a wide area.
An Air Corps investigation team from Baldonnel (Dublin) is on its way to Cork Airport, while Manx2 is due to make a statement at Belfast City Airport imminently.
Cork Airport was closed to the public just before 11am and all itnending passengers have been asked to contact their airline for further information.
The survivors, of whom at least two are considered seriously injured, have been taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital.
Political leaders have spoken of their shock at the news. Fianna Fáil leader Mícheál Martin described the morning’s events as “shattering” and extended his sympathies to the families of the bereaved.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said both his prayers and those of the nation were with those who had lost their lives in Cork, while Labour leader Eamon Gilmore spoke of his deep shock and sadness at the loss of life.
No flights will operate from the airport until at least 6pm.
