It is understood they were the sole occupant
ONE person has died after a small plane crashed into a field near the Co Waterford coast today.

Gardai and other emergency services, including Rescue 117, rushed to the scene between Waterford Airport and Tramore after the crash at around 12.50pm this afternoon.

It is understood that the plane declared an emergency before the crash took place.

Online flight-tracking websites show the plane was flying between Sligo and Beziers, in France, when it turned around off the south coast of Ireland and headed back towards Waterford Airport before the crash.

In a statement this evening Gardai confirmed one person had died in the incident and that they are understood to have been the sole occupant of the aircraft.

Emergency services remain at the scene, which is being preserved, and a probe into the crash has been launched.

A garda spokesperson said: “Garda and emergency services are currently at the scene of a light aircraft collision which occurred at Tramore, Co. Waterford at approximately 12.50pm this afternoon, Thursday 20th November 2025.

“Initial reports indicate that there was one fatality, the sole occupant of the aircraft.

“The Air Accident Investigation Unit is at the scene and the Irish Aviation Authority has been notified.

“The scene is being preserved and investigations are ongoing.”

Paramedics, the Coast Guard and Waterford Fire Brigade were deployed to the site of the crash this afternoon.

Air crash investigators said the plane involved in the crash was a “twin-engined general aviation aircraft”.

OFFICIAL INVESTIGATION

The Air Accident Investigation Unit at the Department of Transport has confirmed it is investigating the incident.

It is deploying a team of four accident investigators to commence the probe.

The AAIU is responsible for the investigation of aircraft accidents and serious incidents that occur within Ireland.

The nearby R685 road has been closed to facilitate the work of emergency services.

Drivers have been urged to avoid the area and make use of the diversions in place.

Waterford TD Conor D McGuinness urged those in the area to give emergency services space to work as the incident remains ongoing.

The Sinn Fein TD said: “Hearing reports of a twin engine plane crashing just outside Waterford City. Praying for the best outcome.

“Road closures in the vicinity of Waterford Airport. Please give our emergency services the space to do their work.”

Sinn Fein’s David Cullinane added: “Terrible news. Hoping everyone is safe.”