Greek F-4 phantom crashes during annual air show near Athens
‘The fate of the pilots was not immediately known and it was unclear whether anyone in the crowd had been injured, the official said’
A Greek Air Force F-4 phantom fighter jet crashed at an aerial show north of Athens, sending thick black smoke into the air before several spectators on Saturday.
Video footage from a public broadcaster reported a column of black smoke, rising a few hundred meters watching the air show. According to reports, there were no injuries reported among the attendees after the crash of the twin-seat Phantom F4 jet that happened during a low-level flight.
Air Force officials in Greece made no rapid update on the condition of the two airmen, noting that rescue crews were obstructed by the fire on the grounds of Tangara air force base,60 kilometers north of Athens.
Furthermore, water-dropping planes and helicopters assisted 85 firefighters in a containment effort which remained at some distance from the viewing area at an annual air show of the year. The official statement said: “ A search and rescue operation is under way.”
