Two people were killed when a French Air Force Mirage 2000D fighter jet crashed during a training flight in northeastern France, broadcaster BFMTV reported on Thursday.
The aircraft, operating from Nancy-Ochey air base, came down late Tuesday in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department near Nancy, between the villages of Rogeville, Domevre-en-Haye and Tremblecourt. Authorities had earlier confirmed the pilot’s death while search operations continued for the navigator.
The Metz prosecutor’s office told BFMTV that evidence found at the accident site confirms two deaths, and that this must still be corroborated by DNA analysis for identification. A judicial investigation was opened to establish the circumstances and cause of the crash.
Henry Lemoine, mayor of nearby Pont-a-Mousson, said substantial police and firefighting resources had been deployed and that aircraft debris was located by a drone. A crisis coordination centre was set up in Rogeville, and local authorities warned of possible traffic disruptions in the surrounding area.