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Greek air force jet crash starts huge fire at flying show near Athens

By Sam Brookes1 min readThe Independent
Greek air force jet crash starts huge fire at flying show near AthensGreek air force jet crash starts huge fire at flying show near Athens
A jet has crashed at an aerial show in Greece (AFP/Getty)

A Greek air force jet crashed in front of thousands of spectators at an aerial show north of Athens

Thousands of spectators looked on as a Greek air force jet crashed during an aerial display north of Athens on Saturday, triggering a fire that sent large plumes of black smoke into the sky.

No injuries were reported among the audience following the crash of the twin-seat Phantom F4 jet, which occurred while it was performing a low-altitude manoeuvre.

Air force officials in Greece offered no immediate update regarding the condition of the two crew members, stating that emergency responders were hindered by the fire on the grounds of Tanagra air force base, located 60 kilometres (about 40 miles) north of Athens.

Eighty-five firefighters, assisted by 11 water-dropping planes and helicopters, worked to tackle the blaze. The fire was kept at a distance from the crowd at the annual Athens Flying Week event.

The crash started a huge fire at the annual aerial show
The crash started a huge fire at the annual aerial show (AFP/Getty)

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