A 10-year-old girl has died after a transatlantic jet diverted to Shannon Airport this evening.
The child was travelling on board Air Canada flight AC-868 from Toronto to London at the time.
The flight crew advised air traffic controllers that they needed to divert and land as soon as possible. The crew opted to route to Shannon requesting that emergency medical services be standing by for their arrival.
The pilot reported they had a child in cardiac arrest on board. It’s understood that the young girl was travelling with three adult siblings.
An ambulance and rapid response advanced paramedic unit from Ennis were sent to the airport ahead of the flights arrival at 7.40pm.
Two units of the local authority fire service from Shannon Town were also requested to attend at the airport to assist the ambulance service.
The child was rushed to University Hospital Limerick but was pronounced dead a short time later.
A Garda spokesman confirmed that the county coroner has been informed of the death while a post mortem examination will be arranged.
The flight continued its journey to London at 9.20pm.