Eleven people were killed when a Pilatus PC-6 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff near Nancy in eastern France on Sunday. Among those who died were five nurses who had been given their first skydiving experiences as gifts, along with five instructors and the pilot.

The single-engine plane went down on a cycle path near the residential area of Tomblaine in bright sunshine. Eyewitnesses reported seeing at least three occupants exit the aircraft before it crashed, but none survived the incident.

Local medical official Thierry Pechey confirmed that the five nurses were participating in their initial skydiving jumps, which had been arranged by Tandemotion, a skydiving company charging approximately €390 (£336) per jump. The jumps were planned to be tandem videoed experiences with instructors.

An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. Initial reports indicate the plane may have struck electrical power lines prior to crashing, which resulted in a widespread power outage in the area.

The tragedy has deeply affected the relatives of those lost. A family member of one victim described the jump as a gift and expressed disbelief at the news, reflecting the shock shared by families and the local community.

Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine factors that led to the fatal accident.