At least 11 people are feared killed after a civilian aircraft crashed near the eastern French town of Tomblaine on Sunday, authorities have confirmed.
The aircraft went down close to the local airport, prompting police to cordon off the area and urge members of the public to stay away as emergency responders launched rescue and recovery operations.
According to local media reports, the aircraft belonged to a parachuting school and was carrying a group on a skydiving trip when the crash occurred.
The regional prefecture said all 11 people on board died in the accident. The victims included the pilot, five skydiving students and five instructors.
France's Interior Ministry said the 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 expected to begin immediately.
More details are expected as the investigation unfolds.
