Paris, June 29:
At least 11 people were killed after a skydiving aircraft crashed in the town of Tomblaine in northeastern France on Sunday, authorities confirmed.
The light aircraft went down around 11 am local time near the Nancy-Essey aerodrome, crashing into a grassy area close to the runway. Officials said the pilot and all 10 passengers on board — including five students and five instructors — died in the accident.
Local authorities stated that emergency services rushed to the scene immediately, while investigators began examining the wreckage to determine the cause of the crash.
Tomblaine mayor Hervé Féron said there was no damage to nearby homes, though the entire town was left in shock by the tragedy. Witnesses reported hearing a sudden engine failure followed by a loud explosion moments before the crash.
A technical probe has been launched, with specialised air transport units leading the investigation.