Fighter jet crashes and burns during air show in Greece
On September 5, during a large-scale air show in the area of the Greek city of Tanagra near Athens, an F-4 Phantom military fighter jet crashed. The plane sharply lost altitude and fell to the ground in front of thousands of spectators just a few minutes after the start of its performance, ERT News reports .
Photo: Kathimerini
After the fall, a powerful explosion occurred. According to preliminary information, the plane broke into pieces, and a large fire erupted at the crash site. Special fire helicopters were deployed to extinguish the flames, but the rescuers' work was complicated by thick black smoke covering the area near the runway.
Photo: Kathimerini
Following the accident, the organizers halted the Athens Flying Week air show for the safety of spectators and participants. The remaining aircraft involved in the program left the airspace over Tanagra and returned to their bases.
Emergency services continue to eliminate the consequences of the disaster and conduct search operations.