TWO Irish men in their 50s have been left seriously injured after a horrific aircraft crash in the Czech Republic.
The men, named in their native Co. Laois as Ger Doody and Ned McEvoy, suffered serious injuries in a plane collision just outside of Prague on Wednesday morning.
Mr Doody is in a critical condition in intensive care while Mr McEvoy is understood to have suffered a number of badly broken bones.
According to the local Leinster Express newspaper, both men are partners in Ridge Aviation, a light aircraft business based at Eyne Airfield in Co. Laois.
Mr Doody works for the well-known Portlaoise car dealership Downey's Autostop on the Dublin Road.
The pair are believed to have been on a business trip looking to secure a new aircraft in the Czech Republic when tragedy struck.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.
Speaking last night, Portlaoise Fine Gael councillor William Aird said: “I'm deeply concerned to hear the news. The two men are good friends who have a life-long interest in flying.
"They have their own hangar and they are often seen flying over the town in light planes. Both are family men in their mid-50s.
“The whole community will be wishing them a speedy recovery.”
