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2 Skydivers Killed After In-Air Collision Over Perris Valley Airport

PERRIS, Calif. (CBS) — A tragedy took place in the skies over Riverside County on Thursday when two skydivers collided in mid-air before falling to their deaths.

The incident happened over the Perris Valley Airport on Goetz Road, where the Perris Valley Skydiving School is housed.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Perris police arrived just before 4 p.m. at the school, where the two men were in full-traumatic arrest. The victims, whose names have not yet been released, were pronounced dead a short time later.

 

Riverside County said initial reports indicate the skydivers' parachutes and canopies collided and became entangled, deflating both of them. That's when they plummeted approximately 200-300 feet to the ground.

Perris Skydiving employees would not comment on the situation.

The cause of the collision is still under investigation. The NTSB and the FAA are working with investigators on the case.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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