Fighter jet crashes during air show, killing two pilots before thousands of spectators

A Greek Air Force fighter jet crashed and burst into flames during an air show on Saturday, killing both pilots on board, according to Fox News.

The twin-seat F-4 Phantom went down during a low-altitude manoeuvre at Tanagra Air Force Base, north of Athens, as thousands of spectators watched the demonstration, the report said. The impact triggered a large fire, prompting the deployment of 85 firefighters and 11 water-dropping aircraft and helicopters to contain the blaze.

Authorities said no spectators were injured, while the bodies of the two pilots were later recovered, according to Fox News.

The crash occurred during Athens Flying Week, an annual aviation event. Organisers cancelled the remaining activities and evacuated the area. Greece’s Air Force has declared three days of mourning.