“It just came vertically down''
An eye witness to the plane crash that claimed the life of a Seven-Year-Old boy and a UK Pilot has described the plane descending 'like a torpedo' as it plummeted to the ground, according to the Irish Times.
After taking off from the Irish Parachute Club shortly before 2.30pm yesterday, the aircraft released 16-parachutists before plunging to the ground between Daingean and Edenderry, approximately 2km from Clonbullogue Co. Offaly.
Offaly resident Jimmy Slattery, who witnessed the incident, is quoted as saying, “it just came vertically down," adding that "there was no wavering in it."
He described a roaring noise as the plane approached the ground before he heard "the thump." Mr. Slattery then proceeded to alert the authorities.
"I thought he was actually doing a stunt and I was waiting for them to pull out, but it never happened, sadly," Mr. Slattery told RTE News.
Tragedy
The Father of the young-boy who sadly lost his life was a regular parachute jumper at the Irish Parachute Club, and had already exited the aircraft before the fateful plunge. The Polish born man, now living in Dublin, is said to have rushed to the site of the crash upon reaching the ground.
The pilot was a UK native and was recognised as a vastly experienced flying instructor.
Their remains were brought to the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore late last night and postmortem examinations are due to be carried out today.
''Deeply saddened''
The Irish Parachute Club has released a statement in the wake of the tragedy:
“The Irish Parachute Club can confirm that the incident on Sunday 13th May involving an aircraft operating on behalf of the Irish Parachute Club has resulted in the deaths of both occupants,” a statement on the home page of the club’s website said.
“We ask for privacy for the families of the deceased who remain in our thoughts and prayers.”
Another statement has also been released by the Parachute club, which reads:
''The board of directors, members and friends of the Irish Parachute Club are deeply saddened at the death of the occupants of the aircraft that was operating on behalf of the club. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected. We would like to thank the air accident investigation unit and the emergency services who are continuing their investigation at this very difficult time.''
The investigation into the circumstances of the crash continues.
