Two people have been killed in a light aircraft crash in Co Galway today.
The plane crashed shortly after 12.40pm at Cregmore, Claregalway, a few miles east of Galway city. The plane, which is believed to be Belgian-registered, lost radio contact with the airport just moments before impact.
A Garda spokeswoman later confirmed that two people had died in the crash.
Emergency services were alerted after a member of the public reported seeing an aircraft crash in the area of Lydican, near Oranmore.
Jarlath Feeney, the general manager of Galway Airport, confirmed the aircraft took off from the airport this morning destined for Belgium.
"The plane crashed in the 'cricket field' in Lydican near Oranmore, a few miles from the airport. It is understood there are no survivors," Mr Feeney said.
Mr Feeney said the two people aboard the aircraft were not believed to be Irish nationals. "It didn't report back as they generally do when they are leaving the 10-mile radius of the airport," he said.
"The aircraft controller contacted Shannon Airport. At the same time Shannon Airport received a report from a member of the public that they had seen an aircraft go down in a field known as the 'cricket field' in Lydican near Oranmore."
Mr Feeney said following normal procedure the Air Accidents Investigation Unit which is part of the Department of Transport would investigate the crash.