Two dead after light aircraft crash

Air ambulance and fire service attended scene near Crumlin

Author: Tara MclaughlinPublished 19th Apr 2018
Last updated 19th Apr 2018

Two people have died after a light aircraft crashed and caught fire in County Antrim.

Paramedics and the air ambulance were called to the scene in a wooded area near Nutts Corner in Crumlin after 12 on Thursday afternoon.

The incident happened two or three miles from Belfast International Airport.

A spokeswoman said the aircraft was not operating to or from there.

She said: "It crashed in the vicinity of Loanends, two-three miles from the airport."

The flight was not connected to either Belfast city airport or an airfield in Enniskillen, spokesmen confirmed.

Newtownards airport, where the Ulster Flying Club is based, said it would make no comment

A statement from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said: "No patients were taken from the scene and the major incident was stood down at 12:49.''

A spokewoman added: "NIAS implemented its major incident protocols in response to this incident and one rapid response paramedic, three emergency ambulance crews and four officers were dispatched to the incident.

"The charity air ambulance was also tasked.''

Nearby roads have been closed.