Two experienced skydivers killed in horror mid-air collision during jump

Two experienced skydivers were tragically killed when they collided with one another during a jump and suffered catastrophic injuries, officials have confirmed.

The pair were falling over the city of Lake Elsinore in Southern California when disaster struck on Friday (6 November).

Described as licensed and experienced, they were both at the end of their jump when they collided and their parachutes became entangled shortly before noon, according to Skydive Elsinore.

The Riverside County Fire Department said the two had suffered traumatic injuries and were rushed to hospital from the scene.

They were described as being in a 'critical condition' but both were later pronounced dead, Lt. Deirdre Vickers, of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said.

A post on X, shared by the Riverside County Fire Department read: "TRAUMATIC INJURIES - Firefighters are on scene of traumatic injuries involving two skydivers. Both patients suffered major injuries and were transported by ground ambulance for further care. No other injuries were reported."

Police at the scene of the incident (ABC7)

The collision happened near to Skydive Elsinore, with the centre saying there was no indication their equipment had malfunctioned.

Skydive Elsinore general manager and co-owner Josh Hall told reporters the incident occurred when a group of 20 experienced female skydivers was jumping from a plane at about 12,500 feet.

Skydive Elsinore issued a statement following the tragedy which read: "On Friday, November 6th, two licensed skydivers were fatally injured after colliding with one another while descending under open parachutes at Skydive Elsinore.

"Eyewitnesses report that the freefall portion of the jump was normal and uneventful, and that both skydivers opened their parachutes at the expected altitude.

"As they prepared to land, the two skydivers collided at approximately 150 feet above the ground. The collision caused their parachutes to become entangled, and both sustained critical injuries when they reached the ground.

"Skydive Elsinore staff and emergency services responded immediately. Both were transported to a local hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. There is no indication of any equipment malfunction.

"Both were experienced, licensed skydivers visiting from out of town to take part in an organized skydiving event at Skydive Elsinore. Their identities are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Skydive Elsinore is cooperating fully with local authorities.

"Skydive Elsinore extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of both skydivers, and is grieving alongside all those affected."

The skydivers’ identities have not yet been publicly released. A cause as to what happened is not yet clear, but investigations are ongoing.

According to reports, they were visiting to participate in the California Women’s Upright Record team.