Two U.S. Fighter Jets Collide Mid-Air During Air Show

A mid-air collision between two military aircraft occurred during an air show in the U.S. state of Idaho. Although both fighter jets crashed to the ground, all four crew members safely ejected and landed by parachute.

The incident took place on Sunday afternoon, local time, during the “Gunfighter Skies” air show near Mountain Home Air Force Base. The crash site was located about two miles northwest of the airbase, according to BBC.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Navy said the collision involved two EA-18G Growler fighter jets during an aerial demonstration. Shortly after the crash, all four crew members successfully ejected from the aircraft and were later seen descending safely by parachute.

Officials said all four crew members are currently in stable condition and undergoing medical evaluation. However, no details have yet been released regarding possible injuries.

Following the collision, flames and thick black smoke were seen rising from the wreckage of the aircraft. The airbase was temporarily shut down, and the remaining events of the air show were canceled.

Commander Amelia Umayam said the four aviators involved were members of Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-129, based at Whidbey Island. They were conducting a demonstration flight in the two Navy EA-18G jets.

Videos shared on social media showed the fighter jets spiraling downward in flames after the collision. Before the aircraft hit the ground, four parachutes could be seen opening in the sky.

One eyewitness told NBC News that he heard someone nearby shout, “They’re going down.” When he turned around, he saw four people descending by parachute while black smoke rose in the distance.

In a statement, Mountain Home Air Force Base authorities said emergency crews responded quickly to secure the area and that an investigation into the cause of the accident has already begun.

The first day of the air show on Saturday had concluded successfully. However, following Sunday’s accident, local police urged residents to avoid traveling toward the airbase area.