All 11 people aboard a civilian aircraft died when it crashed near the eastern French town of Tomblaine on Sunday, local authorities confirmed. The plane, carrying skydivers, went down in one of France’s deadliest light aircraft accidents in recent years.
Victims and Circumstances
The crash claimed the lives of five instructors, five students, and the pilot, according to Yves Seguy, prefect of the Meurthe-et-Moselle department. Speaking at a press conference, Seguy stated, “There were no bystanders among the victims.” The aircraft, registered in Germany, crashed in a grassy area near the runway of the Nancy-Essey aerodrome, close to a residential zone and two roads, an AFP journalist reported.
Investigation and Response
The cause of the incident remains unclear. A technical investigation has been opened, said Amaury Lacote, deputy public prosecutor in the eastern city of Nancy. Medical and psychological support teams were deployed to care for relatives of the victims present at the airfield and other witnesses. Police urged the public via social media platform X to “strictly avoid” the area around the airport to allow emergency services access.
Impact and Context
This tragedy marks one of France’s deadliest light aircraft accidents. The Nancy-Essey aerodrome, located near the residential area of Tomblaine, serves general aviation and skydiving activities. The investigation will focus on the aircraft’s maintenance, pilot experience, and environmental factors at the time of the crash.
