11 Killed As Plane Carrying Skydivers Crash In France
At least 11 people were killed on Sunday after a civilian aircraft carrying a group of skydivers crashed near the French town of Tomblaine, close to Nancy.
The aircraft reportedly broke apart on impact, leaving a devastating scene at the crash site.
Local reports said three people survived after ejecting from the plane before it crashed.
Those feared dead include the pilot, five skydiving instructors and five students, according to French media.
However, authorities are yet to officially confirm the identities of the victims.
Emergency responders, including firefighters, police officers and medical personnel, were deployed to the scene to carry out rescue and recovery operations.
Police cordoned off the area around Salvador Allende Street and urged residents to stay away to allow emergency services unhindered access to the crash site.
In a statement, police said, “Absolutely avoid the Salvador Allende Street area. To allow free access for emergency services and law enforcement, do not go there.”
Earlier, local authorities confirmed they were responding to an incident involving a civilian aircraft that had departed from Nancy-Essey Aerodrome.
The prefect of Meurthe-et-Moselle activated the departmental emergency operations centre to coordinate the response, while senior government officials visited the crash site.
The cause of the crash remains unknown.
Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage to determine what led to the fatal accident.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
