Paris: A civilian aircraft carrying a group of skydivers crashed near Nancy in eastern France on Sunday, killing at least 11 people and triggering a major emergency response as authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the tragedy.

A fatal plane crash near the French city of Nancy claimed the lives of at least 11 people on Sunday after a small civilian aircraft carrying skydivers went down in the town of Tomblaine. Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after the crash, while police cordoned off the area and urged residents to stay away to allow rescue teams and investigators to work safely.

According to French media reports, the aircraft was transporting a group of people preparing for a parachute jump when it crashed.

Local officials confirmed that all 11 people on board were killed in the accident, making it one of France's deadliest aviation incidents involving a small civilian aircraft in recent years.

Explosion risk prompts security cordon

Authorities warned that the crash site posed a potential explosion risk, prompting police to block access to nearby roads around Salvador Allende Street in Tomblaine.

Residents were asked not to travel to the area as firefighters, emergency medical teams and investigators continued their operations.

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Officials from the prosecutor's office, police and emergency medical service (SAMU) are expected to provide further information as the investigation progresses.

Investigators will examine the aircraft's condition, weather, flight path and other possible factors to determine what caused the fatal crash.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or confirmed additional details about the aircraft. The investigation remains ongoing, with more official information expected in the coming hours.