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NI person on board lost airliner NI person on board lost airliner
(about 1 hour later)
A person from Belfast is among three Irish citizens believed to have been onboard an Air France plane which disappeared near Brazil.A person from Belfast is among three Irish citizens believed to have been onboard an Air France plane which disappeared near Brazil.
The plane - carrying 228 people from Brazil to France - vanished over the Atlantic after flying into turbulence.The plane - carrying 228 people from Brazil to France - vanished over the Atlantic after flying into turbulence.
The Republic's minister for foreign affairs Micheál Martin confirmed three Irish people were on the passenger list for the flight from Rio to Paris.The Republic's minister for foreign affairs Micheál Martin confirmed three Irish people were on the passenger list for the flight from Rio to Paris.
He said their families had been contacted and offered assistance.He said their families had been contacted and offered assistance.
The Airbus sent an automatic message at 0214 GMT on Monday, four hours after leaving Rio de Janeiro, reporting a short circuit. It is believed it may have suffered lightning damage.The Airbus sent an automatic message at 0214 GMT on Monday, four hours after leaving Rio de Janeiro, reporting a short circuit. It is believed it may have suffered lightning damage.
It had 216 passengers and 12 crew on board, including three pilots. The passengers included one infant, seven children, 82 women and 126 men.It had 216 passengers and 12 crew on board, including three pilots. The passengers included one infant, seven children, 82 women and 126 men.
It was well over the ocean when it was lost, making Brazilian and French search planes' task more difficult. Five of the missing passengers are from Britain.
The plane was well over the ocean when it was lost, making Brazilian and French search planes' task more difficult.
Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris has set up a crisis centre.Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris has set up a crisis centre.
On Monday night, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said there was a "very small" chance of finding survivors.