Two US fighter jets collide mid-air at Idaho air show
Idaho, May 18
Two US fighter jets collided mid-air during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, prompting authorities to place the air base under lockdown and cancel all remaining scheduled events, according to local media reports.
The incident took place during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show in Idaho, United States, shortly after 12:30 p.m. local time on Sunday. Emergency response teams rushed to the area after the collision, while thick black smoke was seen rising near the crash site.
According to local media reports, the aircraft involved in the accident were two EA-18G Growler fighter jets. The jets reportedly crashed nearly two miles outside the air base following the collision.
Videos circulating on social media showed the two military aircraft colliding in mid-air before breaking apart. Moments later, four parachutes were seen descending toward the ground, indicating that the crew members had managed to eject from the aircraft.
According to the Idaho Statesman newspaper, an announcer present at the event informed the audience that all four crew members aboard the two fighter jets had safely ejected before the crash.
The US Navy later confirmed that four crew members had successfully escaped after the two military aircraft collided during the aerial demonstration near Mountain Home Air Force Base.
Following the accident, authorities immediately cancelled all remaining activities scheduled for Sunday as a precautionary measure.
Mountain Home Police also confirmed that the base had been placed under lockdown after the incident while emergency and security teams responded to the crash.
The Gunfighter Skies Air Show had returned this weekend after a gap of eight years and had drawn thousands of spectators who gathered to witness military aircraft displays, aerobatic manoeuvres and aerial demonstrations by US armed forces personnel.
According to reports, organisers had spent nearly two years preparing for the return of the large-scale air show event. Safety personnel, maintenance crews and emergency response teams had also been deployed throughout the base during the weekend programme.
Officials have not yet disclosed the cause of the mid-air collision, and investigations into the incident are expected to continue.
— IANS
Reader Comments
So scary! Two jets colliding mid-air and then breaking apart – the video must be terrifying. But the fact that the US Navy confirmed all four crew ejected safely shows their training and equipment are top-notch. Our IAF pilots do similar drills, hope we never have such an incident.
After a gap of eight years, this Gunfighter Skies Air Show returns – and this happens. Truly unfortunate. But the quick response of emergency teams and lockdown protocol is commendable. In India, we also see such coordination during air shows like Aero India. Safety first, always.
This just goes to show that no matter how advanced the aircraft, human error can happen. The four crew members parachuting down is a relief. The US will definitely investigate thoroughly. In India, we have had our share of aviation incidents, and we learn from them. 🛩️
Big relief that everyone is safe. But it makes me wonder – are these air shows worth the risk? Thousands of spectators, including families, were there. Organisers spent two years preparing, yet such an accident occurred. I hope the investigation is transparent and leads to improved safety.
Thank God all four crew members are safe! Watching parachutes descending after a mid-air collision is a rare sight. The lockdown and cancellation of the show was a wise decision. As a country, we can learn from their emergency response – our disaster management teams could take notes.
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