Greek Air Force F-4 Phantom crashes during air show

A Greek Air Force F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed Saturday during an air show near Tanagra, north of Athens, leaving the fate of its two pilots unknown and igniting a wildfire that spread toward nearby homes. The crash happened shortly before 3 p.m., minutes after the demonstration began as part of Athens Flying Week. Witnesses said the aircraft went down in fields near the Prophet Elias area, then skidded toward an industrial facility, where it sparked a large fire that spread into woodland near Dilesi, a coastal town south of Tanagra. Greece’s 112 alert system was activated and traffic restrictions were imposed. Firefighting involved 115 personnel, 36 vehicles, nine aircraft and four helicopters, plus specialized wildfire teams. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias cut short his program at the Thessaloniki International Fair and returned to Athens; the cause remains under investigation.