Two people killed yesterday when their plane crashed shortly after take-off have been named locally.
Peter Tawse, 61, and John Finnan lost their lives in the Co Wexford smash just before 6pm.
It’s believed the light aircraft exploded just before impact. Councillor Michael Sheehan said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the casualties and their families and our thanks to the emergency services involved.”
The Rollason Condor aircraft is thought to have taken off from a field in the Taghmon area, just minutes from where it crashed.
Another local added: “Absolute tragedy, those poor men and their families.”
Mr Tawse had been teaching people to fly since 1982.
And the experienced flier spent 15 years developing and running Waterford Regional Airport as manager from 1987 to 2002. Members of the gardai, fire brigade and Coast Guard attended the scene of the accident.
A Garda spokesman said: “Gardai and emergency services are currently at the scene of a light aircraft accident which occurred at Duncormick, Co Wexford, at approximately 5.45pm.
“Initial reports indicate that there are two casualties.
“The Air Accident Investigation unit are travelling to the scene and the Irish Aviation Authority have been notified.”
