Eleven killed after skydiving aircraft crashes near Nancy, France

Eleven people were killed on Sunday when a civilian aircraft carrying parachutists crashed shortly after take-off in the town of Tomblaine, near Nancy in northeastern France.

The Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter aircraft (registration D-FIPS), operated by a skydiving school, had departed from Nancy-Essey airfield (ENC/LFSN) and was carrying the pilot, five instructors and five student parachutists. All 11 occupants died in the accident.

According to regional prefect Yves Séguy, the aircraft appears to have suffered a technical problem before plunging almost vertically to the ground in a built-up area close to a shopping centre. Authorities said the crash narrowly avoided causing additional casualties on the ground.

Local reports indicate that some of the victims may have been self-employed nurses participating in a first-time skydiving experience organised for the day, although officials have not yet formally confirmed their identities.

Emergency services and law enforcement quickly secured the area, while residents were urged to avoid the vicinity of Rue Salvador Allende to allow rescue and investigation teams access. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez travelled to the scene as authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

?? FRANCE: A civilian aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Nancy-Essey Airport on Sunday in Tomblaine, near Nancy.
At least 11 people were killed, including five students, five instructors, and the pilot. The aircraft was reportedly carrying participants on a skydiving… pic.twitter.com/uSkOvoBHAb

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