Greek air force jet crashes at an annual aerial show, killing 2 pilots

A Greek Air Force jet crashed during Athens Flying Week, an annual air show north of Athens, on Saturday, killing both pilots, officials said. The twin-seat Phantom F4 crash occurred during a low-altitude maneuver. A fire after the impact produced large plumes of black smoke, but spectators were not injured. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a statement that the tragedy is a reminder of the daily danger faced by Greek aviators, who remain on constant standby to protect Greece’s skies. Air force officials said the bodies were located during a rescue operation that was hampered early by flames at Tanagra Air Base, about 60 kilometers (40 miles) north of Athens. Eleven water-dropping planes and helicopters helped 85 firefighters contain the blaze, which stayed away from the viewing area. Organizers canceled remaining events and issued an evacuation order near the base. Cyprus’ Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas also sent condolences, and the air force declared three days of mourning.