A civilian aircraft crashed near the eastern French town of Tomblaine on Sunday, killing 11 people, according to local authorities.

Police urged people to "strictly avoid" the area around the airport in Tomblaine, the French AFP news agency reported.

The plane was reportedly carrying a group of people on a skydiving trip. Emergency services and investigators have been dispatched to the scene.

The cause of the crash is not yet known. An investigation is underway. This is a breaking news story and details may emerge as the situation develops.

Source: www.dw.com