Irish citizen among Libya plane crash dead

An Irish citizen was among the victims of the Libyan air crash, it has been announced this evening.

It is understood the woman, who was aged in her early 40s, lived between the UK and South Africa.

The Irish Ambassador to Italy, who also has responsibility for North Africa, is in Tripoli liaising with officials at the scene of the accident.

"I regret to confirm the death of an Irish citizen in the Libyan air crash today," sais a statement from Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin.

"Afriqiyah Airlines flight 8U771 was travelling from Johannesburg when it went down on approach to Tripoli International Airport this morning, Wednesday, 12 May.

"Officials from my Department learned this afternoon that an Irishwoman was on the passenger list for this flight.

"The Irish Ambassador to Libya (who is normally based in Rome) is in Tripoli with another consular official and is in close contact with the authorities in Libya in relation to the tragic loss of this flight.

"Arrangements are being made to inform the family and my Department is ready to provide all possible assistance at this difficult time.

"I would ask that members of the media respect the privacy of the family and friends of the deceased in order that they be given time and space to come to terms with this terrible tragedy.

"I would like to extend my sympathies to all those families who have suffered a bereavement in this tragic accident"

A 10-year-old Dutch boy is the sole survivor out of the 104 people on board the plane.