A state of alert was declared by French authorities on Sunday morning after a small civilian aircraft crashed in the town of Tomblaine, in northeastern France, according to a statement from the prefecture. French media report that there are fears of fatalities.
The newspaper L’Est Républicain reported that the aircraft which crashed had been carrying a group of parachutists for a skydiving jump. The same source said the aircraft involved was a German Pilatus. This particular aircraft model is traditionally used to transport parachutists and carry out parachute jumps.
According to the information available so far, French authorities have cordoned off the area and are conducting a search-and-rescue operation.
Initial reports indicate that the crash occurred near Nancy-Essey Airport, though there has not yet been an official death toll or confirmation of the cause of the accident.
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