A MAN from Co Wexford was among nine people killed in a light aircraft crash in New Zealand at the weekend.
Patrick Byrne died after the aircraft crashed and burst into flames on South Island. The 26-year-old, from Brideswell, Askamore, had been in New Zealand on a working visa and had been in the country for several weeks visiting people he knew. The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it was liaising with his family.
The aircraft, 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. “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.”
Witnesses said the plane was almost entirely 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 . . . was engulfed in flames immediately.”
Those who died also included the pilot, four local men and tourists from Australia, England and Germany.
Fox Glacier is a popular tourist spot in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, about 90 miles from Christchurch. Yesterday the city was hit by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake that damaged buildings and injured at least two people.
A Mass was held in Askamore Church yesterday morning at which Fr Barry French prayed for Mr Byrne. His mother, father, brothers and sister were all present at the service. “They are such a united family. They were been comforted by relatives, neighbours and friends. It’s a huge tragedy for them,” said Fr French.
From the small rural area of Brideswell, a townland between Bunclody and Carnew in north Wexford, Mr Byrne was educated at Carnew Vocational College. He had qualified as an electrician and set out for New Zealand hoping to carve a career for himself.
He is survived by parents Hugh and Brid Byrne, older brothers Mark and Davy and older sister Laura.
Mr Byrne was a member of the local Askamore GAA club. Club member Michael Murphy spoke of Mr Byrne as been an outstanding talent. “He was a fine under-age hurler who excelled in the ‘96 Rackard League team. He was well known and loved in the locality, and known by everyone, young and old.”