A tragic incident occurred in Tomblaine, France, on Sunday, June 28, when a skydiving aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of all 11 individuals on board. The incident took place around 11 a.m. local time at the Essey-lès-Nancy airfield, which is situated in the suburb of Tomblaine, according to various French news reports including L’Est Républicain and Ouest France.
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Among the deceased were five skydiving students, five instructors, and the pilot of the aircraft. Local authorities have confirmed that the fatalities did not extend beyond the aircraft occupants, with Yves Séguy, the regional prefect, stating, “The death toll is 11 at this stage; there are no collateral victims.” He emphasised the potential for a more catastrophic outcome, noting the proximity of the crash site to residential areas. “Give or take a few meters and the accident could have caused collateral casualties,” Séguy remarked.
Initial investigations have pointed to a malfunction as the cause of the crash, although the precise nature of this failure remains unclear. “The plane fell vertically, and we don’t know the cause of the accident. There was no trajectory associated with an emergency landing,” Séguy explained during a press conference. He highlighted the fortunate circumstances surrounding the event, stating, “We are fortunate that there were no additional casualties,” indicating the potential danger given the crash site’s location.
The aircraft involved was a Pilatus model, registered in Germany, and it was reportedly owned by a local skydiving school. Those on board were largely a group of independent nurses from Nancy who had travelled to participate in a skydiving experience. Unfortunately, their identities have yet to be released as authorities continue their investigations.
Mayor of Tomblaine, Hervé Feron, expressed his shock at the magnitude of the tragedy, saying, “I don’t remember a tragedy of this magnitude.” He provided further context, explaining that the plane crashed during takeoff and that investigations were still ongoing to identify the specific cause of the accident. Feron reassured the public that the incident did not cause further damage, indicating that the crash site was near a bike path and a residential neighbourhood.
In response to the crisis, the City of Tomblaine has made arrangements to provide shelter for the families of the victims. Feron mentioned, “The City of Tomblaine is providing a room at a secret location to accommodate the victims’ families,” indicating the municipality’s intent to offer support amid the tragedy. Additionally, the Greater Nancy Metropolitan Area has joined in the effort, providing space for those wishing to gather and pay their respects.
Local law enforcement, specifically the Meurthe-et-Moselle National Police (MNP), have urged individuals to steer clear of the Rue Salvador Allende area and surrounding sites to facilitate access for emergency services. The MNP emphasised this recommendation in a post on social media, requesting that the public refrain from approaching the crash site to enable priority vehicles to pass unhindered.
As investigations continue, local authorities are working alongside aviation experts to determine the underlying factors that led to this devastating occurrence. There has been a notable outpouring of support and condolences from the community as they come to terms with the magnitude of the accident and the lives lost.
Efforts are underway to gather more information, and the police have reached out to representatives from the aircraft manufacturer and relevant regulatory bodies to ascertain if this incident aligns with any previous malfunctions or trends in air safety.
As this situation develops, attention will be focused on the thorough investigation and the circumstances leading to the crash, with officials dedicated to ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future.