Light aircraft crashes in Offaly, pilot and boy injured

OFFALY, Ireland - In a tragic crash, a light aircraft which left the Clonbullogue Airfield - operated by the Irish Parachute Club, crashed 2 kms away from the airport.  

According to officials, The incident took place on Sunday afternoon near Clonbullogue, Co Offaly and there were 16 parachutists on board the plane.

The crash is said to have occurred after all parachutists made their jump.

Officials said that two people - the pilot of the plane, who is believed to be a U.K. national and a seven-year-old boy who was onboard the plane - were seriously injured after the plane crashed.

After departing from the Clonbullogue Airfield at around 2:25pm, the plane was found in a bog land near the airport.

Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene and said that there were no deaths in the tragic incident.

A garda spokesman was quoted as saying, "Gardaí and emergency services are at the scene of an aircraft crash close to Clonbullogue, Co. Offaly. At 2.25pm on Sunday 13th May 2018 an aircraft took off from Clonbullogue Airfield with 16 parachutists on board. All 16 made their jump from the craft. However, witnesses then saw the aircraft crash shortly afterwards. There were two people on board, the pilot and a seven-year-old boy. The plane was later located about two kilometres from the airfield crashed in bog land. There is no confirmation of any deaths at this point in time."

Officials said that a search and rescue operation is underway.