Navy jets collide during Idaho air show; 4 crew members eject safely
Two U.S. Navy jets collided and crashed during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, but all four crew members ejected safely, according to military officials. No injuries were reported on the ground.
The crash happened on Sunday during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show, about two miles northwest of the base in western Idaho. Mountain Home Air Force Base said the aircrew involved in the incident were in stable condition.
The aircraft were identified as two Navy EA-18G Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron 129, based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington, the Associated Press reported, citing Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
The jets were performing an aerial demonstration when they collided, according to Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, a spokesperson for Naval Air Forces. The four crew members from both aircraft ejected and were evaluated by medical personnel.
Footage from the scene showed one jet moving close to another aircraft before the two collided. Debris could be seen falling from the jets before crew members ejected and both aircraft went down, followed by a large explosion and fire.
The crash sparked a brush fire that has since been contained, according to updates from the base. Emergency responders were sent to the scene, and the base was briefly placed on lockdown before the order was lifted.
No one at the base was hurt, the Associated Press reported, citing Kim Sykes, marketing director with Silver Wings of Idaho, which helped plan the air show.
The cause of the collision was not immediately known. Military officials said an investigation is underway.
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