A tragic plane crash in eastern France claimed the lives of all 11 people on board after a civilian aircraft carrying skydivers crashed near the town of Tomblaine, close to Nancy, on Sunday.
According to local authorities, the aircraft was carrying five skydiving instructors, five students, and the pilot. Emergency responders rushed to the crash site, but there were no survivors.
Plane crashed during third takeoff of the day
Officials said the aircraft went down during its third takeoff of the day. Pierre-Yves Eugène, president of the National Parachutists’ Union, told French media that the German-registered Pilatus aircraft is widely used for skydiving operations and undergoes comprehensive inspections every two years.
Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft suddenly descend before crashing into a grassy area beside a road near residential buildings.
“I saw it dive and crash,” one eyewitness told local media.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported among people on the ground.
Victims believed to be healthcare professionals
French media reported that the victims were believed to include self-employed nurses from Nancy who were participating in their first skydiving experience.
Several family members had gathered nearby to watch the introductory jump and witnessed the crash. Authorities have established medical and psychological support services for the victims’ relatives.
Cause of the crash under investigation
Meurthe-et-Moselle Prefect Yves Séguy said the aircraft appeared to plunge almost vertically, with no immediate indication that the pilot attempted an emergency landing.
The exact cause of the crash remains unknown.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has assigned the Air Transport Gendarmerie Brigade and forensic investigators to examine the incident and determine what led to the fatal accident.
Police urge public to stay away
Police temporarily restricted access to the area surrounding Rue Salvador Allende in Tomblaine to allow emergency crews and investigators to work without disruption.
The crash also reportedly triggered a power outage in parts of the surrounding area.
