11 Killed as Skydiving Plane Crashes in France

At least 11 people have been killed after a civilian aircraft carrying skydivers crashed near the town of Tomblaine in eastern France.

According to local authorities, the victims comprised five skydiving instructors, five students and the pilot. No one on the ground was injured in the incident.

The aircraft, which was registered in Germany, crashed into a grassy area close to the runway of the Nancy-Essey aerodrome, near a residential neighbourhood and two major roads.
Officials said the cause of the crash has not yet been determined.

Medical and psychological support teams were deployed to assist relatives of the victims and witnesses who were present at the airfield when the tragedy occurred.

Authorities have launched a technical investigation into the crash, while police have cordoned off the area and urged the public to stay away to allow emergency responders carry out their work.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez is expected to visit the crash site as investigations continue.