2nd death confirmed after French fighter jet crashes during training flight
DNA analysis underway to identify victims of Mirage 2000D crash near Nancy, prosecutors say
Two people were killed when a French Air Force Mirage 2000D fighter jet crashed during a training flight in northeastern France, prosecutors confirmed Thursday, broadcaster BFMTV reported.
“The evidence discovered at the accident site confirms two deaths,” the Metz prosecutor’s office told the broadcaster. “However, this evidence must be corroborated by ongoing DNA analysis for identification purposes.”
Authorities had previously confirmed the pilot’s death, while search operations continued for the aircraft’s navigator.
The jet, operating from Nancy-Ochey air base, crashed late Tuesday in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department near Nancy.
The crash occurred around 11.35 pm local time (2135GMT) between the villages of Rogeville, Domevre-en-Haye and Tremblecourt.
Henry Lemoine, mayor of nearby Pont-a-Mousson, said substantial police and firefighting resources had been deployed, with aircraft debris located by a drone.
A crisis coordination center was established in Rogeville, while local authorities warned of possible traffic disruptions in the surrounding area.
A judicial investigation has been opened to determine the circumstances and cause of the crash.
