A terrifying scene unfolded at the Tanagra air force base north of Athens on Saturday as a Greek air force Phantom F4 fighter jet plummeted to the ground during a low-altitude maneuver, killing both pilots in front of thousands of stunned spectators. The twin-seat jet erupted in flames upon impact, sending a massive plume of black smoke into the sky, prompting an immediate response from 11 water-dropping planes, helicopters, and 85 firefighters to combat the blaze. The devastating crash occurred just minutes after takeoff during the country’s annual Athens Flying Week, shattering the celebratory atmosphere and leading to the cancellation of the remaining events and evacuation of the area. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed widespread grief, honoring the fallen pilots and acknowledging the daily risks faced by Greece’s aviators, while the air force declared three days of national mourning. Although no civilians were injured, video footage captured the horrifying moment the aircraft broke apart in a secondary explosion, serving as a stark and tragic reminder of the inherent dangers of aerial displays.
Adapted from: Latest World News on Fox News
