Greek air force jet crashes during air show, killing two

A Greek air force jet crashed during an aerial show north of Athens, resulting in the deaths of two pilots, according to officials. The twin-seat Phantom F-4 jet executed a low-altitude maneuver when it crashed, releasing thick plumes of black smoke. On Saturday, thousands of spectators gathered for the show without any injuries occurring among the crowd.

Greece's air force officials revealed that the pilots' bodies were recovered during a rescue operation that faced challenges initially due to a fire at Tanagra air force base, located 60 kilometers north of Athens. To combat the blaze, 11 water-dropping aircraft and helicopters joined forces with 85 firefighters. Although the fire remained far from the spectators' viewing area, the Athens Flying Week show canceled subsequent events for the weekend.

The fire prompted an evacuation order in a nearby area. Video footage captured a smoke plume emanating from the impact site, followed by a second explosion nearby as the plane disintegrated. Cyprus Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas conveyed his condolences to his Greek counterpart, Nikos Dendias, expressing the grief of the Greek government upon learning of the tragic accident during the air show at Tanagra Air Base.