Eleven people lost their lives on Sunday after a civilian aircraft carrying skydivers crashed near the town of Tomblaine in eastern France, in one of the country’s deadliest light aircraft accidents in recent years.
French authorities said everyone on board the aircraft died in the crash, including five skydiving instructors, five students undergoing training and the pilot.
The aircraft, a German-registered Pilatus PC-6 used for skydiving operations, crashed into a grassy area close to the runway at the Nancy-Essey aerodrome, narrowly missing nearby residential buildings and major roads.
Speaking at a press briefing, the prefect of the Meurthe-et-Moselle department, Yves Seguy, confirmed that there were no casualties on the ground, as the aircraft came down within the airport vicinity.
Emergency responders, including firefighters, police officers and medical personnel, were quickly deployed to the scene, while psychological support teams were mobilised to assist grieving relatives and witnesses who were present at the airfield when the accident occurred.
Authorities have yet to determine what caused the aircraft to crash. A technical investigation has been launched by French aviation authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Deputy Public Prosecutor of Nancy, Amaury Lacote, confirmed that investigators had begun examining the wreckage as part of the official inquiry.
Police also urged members of the public to stay away from the area to allow emergency services and investigators unrestricted access to the crash site.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez was expected to visit the scene later on Sunday to assess the situation and receive briefings from emergency officials.
The tragic accident has shocked the local community and is among the most serious civilian aviation disasters involving a light aircraft in France in recent years.
