TOMBLAINE, FRANCE — A devastating aviation accident has left 11 people dead after a civilian aircraft carrying a group of skydivers crashed in the town of Tomblaine in eastern France, according to local authorities.

The tragic incident occurred shortly after the plane took off from the nearby Nancy-Essey airfield. The aircraft was operated by a local parachutist school.

Details of the Flight and Victims

Local officials have confirmed that there were no survivors on board the flight. The victims include:

  • 1 Pilot

  • 5 Skydiving Instructors

  • 5 Skydiving Students

The identities of the deceased have not yet been released to the public as authorities work to notify their families.

A Miraculous Escape for Bystanders

Despite the catastrophic loss of life on board, local authorities noted that it was a miracle no one on the ground was harmed. Yves Seguy, the prefect of the eastern department of Meurthe-et-Moselle, confirmed to the AFP news agency that no bystanders were injured.

The aircraft plummeted into a heavily populated, built-up area near a local shopping center.

“The plane fell almost vertically, in the immediate vicinity of a housing estate, on the edge of the airfield,” Seguy told French broadcaster BFM.

Official Response and Ongoing Investigation

Following the crash, police quickly established a perimeter and urged the public to completely avoid the area surrounding the airport in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department to allow emergency responders to secure the scene.

The French government has responded swiftly to the incident. Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot and Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced they are traveling directly to the scene of the crash, which Tabarot has described as a “terrible tragedy.”

An official investigation into the mechanical and environmental factors that caused the plane to fall so abruptly is expected to be launched immediately.