Eleven people have died after a civilian aircraft crashed near the airport in Tomblaine, eastern France, on Sunday.
Local authorities said all those on board were killed, including the pilot, five students and five instructors. Local media reported that the aircraft was carrying a group on a skydiving trip when the crash occurred.
Emergency services were deployed to the scene as police urged residents to stay away from the area.
“Strictly avoid” the area around the airport, authorities warned, while rescue operations continued.
The French Ministry of the Interior also confirmed that Interior Minister Laurent Nunez was travelling to the crash site.
The incident comes about two weeks after another deadly plane crash near Butler Memorial Airport in Bates County, Missouri, United States, claimed the lives of all 12 people on board.
“Troopers are on scene assisting the Butler Police Department & Bates County Sheriff’s Office of a Fatal Plane Crash near the Butler Memorial Airport,” the Missouri State Highway Patrol said in a post on X.
“At this time reports indicate all occupants (12 total) have perished,” it added.
Missouri Highway Patrol Sergeant Justin Ewing said the aircraft involved in the U.S. crash was also being used for skydiving trips.
