Three dead in plane crash, Cork County Council confirms

Three people have died and two others are trapped after a plane travelling from Belfast City Airport crashed in fog at Cork Airport today, a Cork County Council spokesman said.

Three people have died and two others are trapped after a plane travelling from Belfast City Airport crashed in fog at Cork Airport today, a Cork County Council spokesman has said.

Fire crews and police from across the city and county were drafted in to support the rescue efforts.

The main road leading to the airport was closed to give emergency services quick access.

Witnesses report hearing a loud bang, before the aircraft burst into flames.

"Flight Avia No FLT400C a metroliner SW4 with 10 passengers and two crew has crashed at Cork Airport," said a statement from the Irish Aviation Authority.

"The aircraft made an approach to Runway 17 in low vis conditions (Category 2) and went around and did not land and attempted a second landing on Runway 35.

"The aircraft then went around a second time and came back for an approach to Runway 17.

"On the second approach to Runway 17 the aircraft crashed adjacent to Taxiway C.

"Rescue and Fire crew are in attendance. There is a fire and debris has been scattered onto the runway and over a wide area.

"The accident will be investigated by the Air Accident Unit of the Dept. of Transport. This is correct at this time and may be amended as more detail becomes available."