PARIS (Web News) – At least 11 people were killed after a small aircraft crashed shortly after take-off in northeastern France on Sunday, authorities said.
The accident occurred near the town of Tomblaine after the aircraft departed from Nancy-Essey Airfield. Officials said the plane was operated by a parachute training organisation.
According to French authorities, the crash claimed the lives of the pilot and all 10 passengers on board. The victims included five trainee skydivers and five instructors. No survivors were reported.
Emergency services rushed to the crash site and secured the area while recovery operations were carried out.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Aviation experts will examine the aircraft’s wreckage, maintenance records and weather conditions to establish what led to the fatal crash.
Officials have not yet released the identities of the victims, pending notification of their families.
The tragedy is one of the deadliest recent accidents involving a civilian training aircraft in France and has prompted renewed attention to aviation safety in recreational and training operations.
Further details are expected as investigators continue their inquiry.
