Two pilots die in Greek military jet crash | World News

Two pilots have died after a Greek military jet crashed during an air show.

Footage shows the twin-seat Phantom F4 jet going up in flames after crashing during a low-altitude manoeuvre at Tanagra air force base, around 40 miles north of the Greek capital, on Saturday.

The bodies of the two pilots were recovered during a rescue operation.

Helicopters, planes and 85 firefighters attended the scene – some distance from the viewing area at Athens flying week. An evacuation order was issued and organisers cancelled remaining events planned over the weekend.

Thousands of people were in attendance, but no injuries were reported among the spectators.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said: “The sense of grief is widespread, and our thoughts are with the families of the two pilots we lost.

“It is a reminder of the daily danger faced by Greece’s aviators, who remain on constant standby to protect Greece’s skies.”

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Cyprus’ defense minister Vasilis Palmas posted on X: “It is with deep sadness that I learned of the death of the two officers of the Hellenic air force, who lost their lives in the tragic accident that occurred during the air show at Tanagra air base.”

The air force has declared three days of mourning in the wake of the crash.