The Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho was reportedly placed under lockdown after two US Navy aircraft crashed into each other mid-air during an air show on Sunday. The accident took place during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show and reportedly involved a Navy Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and a Boeing EA-18G Growler.
Videos shared online shows the jets colliding in the air before bursting into flames and breaking apart. Witnesses said they saw four parachutes coming down after the crash, indicating that crew members may have ejected safely before the aircraft went down.
No Official Confirmation On Casualties Yet
So far, there has been no official confirmation about any deaths or injuries in the incident.
Emergency teams rushed to the crash site, and military authorities are expected to launch an investigation to find out what caused the accident.
The Gunfighter Skies Air Show is a public aviation event held at Mountain Home Air Force Base, which is located south-east of Boise.
Mountain Home Base Under Lockdown After Mid-Air Collision
Officials canceled all remaining Sunday events after the crash. Mountain Home Police also said the base was placed under lockdown following the incident.
The Gunfighter Skies Air Show had returned this weekend after an eight-year break. Thousands of people attended to see military aircraft performances and aerial stunts. Organisers had reportedly spent almost two years preparing for the event. Safety personnel and maintenance teams were deployed across the base during the weekend.
Previous Air Show Crashes Raise Safety Concerns
This crash has once again raised concerns about previous accidents during air shows at Mountain Home. In 2018, a hang glider pilot lost his life after crashing onto the runway during an event at the base.
In another incident, a Thunderbirds jet crashed during a 2003 air show at Mountain Home. The pilot managed to survive after ejecting just seconds before the aircraft hit the ground.
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