At least 11 people have died after a civilian aircraft crashed near the eastern French town of Tomblaine on Sunday.
Authorities said the aircraft went down near the airport in Tomblaine, prompting an emergency response and the establishment of a security cordon around the crash site.
Police urged residents and members of the public to stay away from the area as rescue workers and investigators began operations.
According to local media reports, the aircraft belonged to a parachuting school and was carrying participants on a skydiving trip when the accident occurred.
The local prefecture confirmed that all 11 people on board were killed in the crash.
The victims included the pilot, five student skydivers and five instructors.
The French Interior Ministry also confirmed that the country’s Interior Minister was travelling to the crash site to assess the situation and coordinate the government’s response.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the crash, while investigations are ongoing.
