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Irishman dies in New Zealand plane crash

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An Irish man has died following a light aircraft crash in New Zealand
An Irish man man is among nine people who have died after a light aircraft crashed and burst into flames in New Zealand on Saturday.

The plane, owned by a skydiving company, crashed shortly after takeoff at the end of the runway at Fox Glacier Airport on South Island.

A New Zealand Police spokesman said the plane was carrying a party of skydivers and tourists.

He said: "There were five New Zealanders on board plus a national each from Australia, Ireland, Germany and the UK.

"The embassies of each overseas victim have been informed and relatives are in the process of being advised."

Police said the bodies would remain at the crash site until Sunday.

The Irish victim of the crash has been named at 26-year-old Patrick Byrne of Gorey.

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it was liaising with Mr Byrne's family.

Eyewitnesses said the plane was almost totally destroyed in the accident which happened at 1.15pm local time.

The Fletcher fixed-wing aircraft is popularly used for scenic flights and skydiving.

One local man was quoted in the New Zealand Herald: "It was like a fireball and then there was big puffs of smoke going up... (The plane) was engulfed in flames immediately."

Fox Glacier is a popular tourist spot in New Zealand's Southern Alps, about 90 miles from Christchurch.

© Press Association

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At 18:17 on 04 September 2010, john wrote:
very sad, fellow skydiver. BlueSkies.
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