France Plane Crash: Eleven Killed After Skydiving Aircraft Goes Down Near Nancy
Authorities launch an investigation after a civilian aircraft carrying skydivers crashed shortly after take-off in eastern France.
Emergency responders attend the site of a fatal aircraft crash near Nancy in eastern France.
Eleven people died after a civilian aircraft carrying skydivers crashed in the town of Tomblaine in eastern France, according to local authorities.
Officials said the pilot and all 10 passengers were killed in the incident. Those on board included five instructors and five people preparing to undertake their first tandem skydiving experience.
The aircraft, operated by a parachuting school, took off from Nancy-Essey airfield before crashing at approximately 11:00 local time. Authorities said the plane came down suddenly near the edge of the airfield, close to a residential area and a shopping centre.
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French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that prosecutors in Paris had opened an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Several relatives of the victims had gathered at the airfield to watch the scheduled jumps and witnessed the incident unfold. Local officials described the emotional impact on families as severe and confirmed psychological support teams were deployed alongside emergency services.
Officials said the aircraft narrowly avoided nearby homes, preventing further casualties. Local authorities noted that a small change in the crash location could have resulted in a wider disaster.
Witnesses described seeing the aircraft veer unexpectedly before impact. One witness told local media that the plane appeared to lose stability before crashing and catching fire.
Authorities have not confirmed whether weather conditions contributed to the accident. France has experienced unusually high temperatures in recent days and weather alerts remained in effect across parts of the country, but officials declined to draw conclusions before the investigation concludes.
According to reports citing France’s aviation safety agency, the incident is considered the deadliest private aircraft accident in modern French aviation history outside military and commercial operations.
Emergency response teams and counselling services continue to support families and witnesses affected by the tragedy.
