Both pilots killed in F-4 fighter jet crash that caught fire during air day in Greece | Video | Today’s news
A Greek Air Force F-4 plane crashed during an air show near Athens on Saturday, Reuters reported. Officials said two pilots died in the incident, which took place in front of thousands of people at the event.
F-4 crashes in the middle of the show
The air show was held at Tanagra Air Base, north of Athens.
“Unfortunately, both pilots are dead,” Reuters quoted one of the officials as saying.
The two-seater Phantom turned into a ball of fire and crashed about two kilometers from the airport.
The fire from the crash sent thick plumes of black smoke into the air. Moments later, a second and much larger explosion was reported from a nearby area as the plane broke up.
No injuries were reported to bystanders or residents in the wider area.
The crash occurred during a maneuver at low altitude.
According to footage from public broadcaster ERT, the F-4 fighter jet was making a right turn several meters above the ground when it crashed and burst into flames. The video appeared on the Internet and caused reactions from netizens.
“We were all stunned. It wasn’t in the air for more than three minutes,” an eyewitness told ERT, according to Reuters.
11 planes, 85 firefighters to rescue
Meanwhile, 11 firefighting planes and helicopters with 85 firefighters were deployed to douse the fire on the spot. The fire reportedly spread to a nearby forest.
According to Air Force officials in Greece, the dead bodies of the two pilots were located by a rescue team. However, the rescue operation was initially difficult due to the fire at the Tanagra Air Base where the incident took place. The base is said to be about 60 km (40 mi) north of Athens.
The fire is said to have spread through the forest.
Airshow cancelled
Organizers canceled the event, which was scheduled for the weekend.
An immediate evacuation was ordered in the area over the loudspeakers.
Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas said he called Nikos Dendias to express his condolences. “It is with deep sadness that I learned of the death of two Greek Air Force officers who lost their lives in a tragic accident that occurred during an air show at Tanagra Air Base,” Palmas wrote online.
The F-4 participated in the annual Athens Flying Week event, which is attended by military and civilian aviation teams from around the world.