Christians saddened by fatal plane crash at Cork Airport

Brendan McAleese, a cousin of Irish President Mary McAleese was among those killed when the Manx2 commuter aircraft crashed while attempting to land on the runway in dense fog.

The small Fairchild Metroliner aircraft was carrying 10 passengers and two crew members when the crash occurred at 9:15am.

Among the survivors was Dónal Walsh, of the evangelical student organisation IFES Ireland: The Christian Unions.

Adam Jones, Director of IFES Ireland, said in a statement: “I can confirm that one of our RELAY (intern) workers, Dónal Walsh was a passenger on the aeroplane that crashed on landing at Cork airport this morning.

“He miraculously walked away from this tragic accident, escaping with minor injuries.”

He relayed a text message from Walsh sent after the accident in which he reported his condition: “I am fine with very minor injuries all things considered. Thank God.”

Walsh had been returning from an Ireland Christian Union event in Northern Ireland.

Mr Jones added: “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of those who lost their lives today, the others injured and those dealing with the aftermath of the crash.”

The Bishop of Cork, the Rt Rev Paul Colton said he was “shocked and hugely saddened” by news of the crash.

“The solidarity, love and prayers of us all in the Church of Ireland community go out to all who are caught up in this tragedy.

“In particular our sympathy and prayers are with the loved ones of those who have died.”

The bishop said that the accident, occurring as it did at the region’s principal domestic airport, had left the whole community feeling “vulnerable”.

“This sense of closeness to home and human vulnerability channels our prayers and concerns as we show our solidarity to those who most need our support at this time.”

Two of the survivors remain in a serious condition in hospital, although their condition is not thought to be life threatening.

Passengers on the flight included UK, Irish and Spanish passport holders. Air accident investigators from the UK, Ireland and Spain are investigating the scene of the crash to ascertain its cause.