Passenger on board diverted transatlantic jet 'pronounced dead'

It has been reported that a passenger on board a transatlantic jet that diverted to Shannon this evening has died.

A second passenger is recovering in hospital.

Both are believed to have suffered heart attacks.

The Alitalia flight from Rome to New York was about 100 kilometres west of Clare when the crew declared an emergency and diverted to Shannon.

Ambulance paramedics and a doctor where standing by for the flight when it touched down around 5.40pm.

One of the passengers was pronounced dead at the scene.

A second person has been taken to University Hospital Limerick for treatment.