TANAGRA AIR BASE, Greece — A Hellenic Air Force F-4E Phantom II crashed this afternoon during an aerial demonstration at the annual Athens Flying Week air show at Tanagra Air Base, sent shockwaves through thousands of spectators gathered for the event.
According to witnesses on the ground, the aircraft was executing a loop sequence when its engine reportedly cut out mid-flight. Moments later, the twin-seat fighter jet suffered a sudden loss of altitude and exploded upon impact a few kilometers from the primary runway, sending a thick column of dark smoke into the air.
Emergency crews were immediately mobilized following the impact.Ambulances, airfield fire service vehicles, and emergency responders rushed toward the crash site to secure the area and battle the resulting fire.Firefighting helicopters were also deployed to assist ground crews in extinguishing flames at the impact zone.
Air show organizers suspended the event immediately following the incident and began clearing the spectator area.Local authorities confirmed there were no casualties among the public watching from the airfield.
Military authorities and event officials have not yet issued a statement regarding the status of the aircrew. An official investigation into the cause of the engine failure and subsequent crash is expected to be launched by the Hellenic Air Force.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more official information becomes available.
