Polish PM cancels Irish talks after helicopter accident

Talks between the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the Polish Prime Minister, Lezek Millar, which were due to take place this morning, have been cancelled.

Mr Millar was rushed to hospital in Poland last night, after his helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing near Warsaw.

Polish TV reported that 10 of the 12 people on board were injured, including the Prime Minister who is thought to have suffered two fractured vertebrae.

One member of the party was seriously injured.

The 30-year-old Soviet helicopter, the same as was used by the Pope on a recent visit, was returning from a trip to southern Poland when the incident happened.

Mr Millar was due to meet with Taoiseach, the Tanaiste, the President and the Minister for Foreign Affairs in advance of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU next year.

There is no indication yet that the talks have been re-scheduled.