Updated: 3.50pm
A passenger on the plane which crashed in Nepal on Sunday and who was described as Irish by Nepalese authorities is a UK national, it has been confirmed.
A search of the wreckage continues today as rescue workers attempt to find the remaining missing passengers and crew of the Yeti Airlines flight.
One passenger, understood to be travelling with a UK passport, is Ruan Callum Crighton. They were initially listed at Irish by Nepalese authorities. It is not yet known if they are among the deceased passengers whose bodies have been recovered.
The 72-seater plane had 68 passengers and four crew on board when it crashed at Nepal’s Pokhara Airport on Sunday.
It is not yet known what caused the accident, but it has been described as Nepal’s deadliest plane crash in 30 years.
The plane took off from Nepal’s capital Kathmandu and was close to landing at Pokhara when it was seen spinning in the air before crashing into a ravine close to the airport.
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs said this afternoon: “The Department of Foreign Affairs can confirm that an individual indicated in reports as being Irish is a UK national.
“The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is providing consular support.
“Our deepest sympathies go to all those who have been affected by this tragic plane crash.”