By Agency Reports
Eleven people were killed on Sunday when a civilian aircraft carrying skydivers crashed near the eastern French town of Tomblaine, marking one of the country’s deadliest light aircraft accidents.
Local authorities said the victims included five skydiving instructors, five students, and the pilot.
“There were no bystanders among the victims,” Yves Seguy, prefect of the Meurthe-et-Moselle department, told reporters.
The aircraft, which was registered in Germany, crashed in a grassy area near the runway of the Nancy-Essey Aerodrome, close to a residential neighbourhood and two roads.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the crash.
Emergency medical and psychological support teams were deployed to assist the victims’ relatives and witnesses at the scene.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Amaury Lacote said a technical investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Police urged members of the public to avoid the area to allow emergency responders unrestricted access, while French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez was expected to visit the crash site later on Sunday.