Two US fighter jets collided mid-air and crashed to the ground during an air show in Idaho, USA. US media reported that the pilots and crew members of both aircraft managed to eject safely using parachutes before the impact.
The incident occurred on Sunday (May 17) during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show held at the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.
In a statement published on the organizers' website, it was confirmed that an aircraft accident took place approximately two miles northwest of the base.
The statement further noted that emergency rescue teams responded to the scene immediately, and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash.
According to KOMO News, a local CBS affiliate, the collision involved two US Navy EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft. All four crew members aboard the two jets successfully ejected.
Video footage circulating on social media showed the two fighter jets losing control and plunging downward following the mid-air collision.
Upon hitting the ground, a massive explosion erupted, sending a huge plume of thick black smoke into the sky. Simultaneously, four parachutes were seen drifting safely down to earth.
Commander Amelia Umayam, a spokesperson for the US Navy Pacific Fleet, confirmed that the crashed EA-18G Growler jets were based out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington.
NBC News reported that the air show was canceled following the accident, and the military base was placed under lockdown for security reasons.
