Shock footage shows the moment two US Navy jets collided mid-air during an air show in Idaho.
Four crew members are reported to be in a stable condition following the incident at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base on Sunday May 17, according to a spokesperson speaking to the BBC.
The collision happened around two miles northwest of Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Both aircraft plunged after impact and erupted into flames once they hit the ground, while crew members could be seen ejecting and descending by parachute.
Mountain Air Force Base Gunfighters shared an update on social media on Sunday, writing: “The aircrew involved in the incident are in stable condition.
“Thank you to all our guests for your patience and compassion, which has allowed us to quickly and safely respond to the incident.”
Officials also said an investigation has been launched, with further information expected to be shared as it becomes available.
The aircraft involved were identified as two U.S. Navy EA18-G Growlers assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 based in Whidbey Island, Washington, a spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet confirmed.
In a statement, Cmdr. Amelia Umayam said the jets were taking part in an aerial demonstration when the crash occurred.
Following the incident, the remaining displays were called off, and the Mountain Home Police Department urged the public not to “attempt to access Mountain Home Air Force Base”.
Witness Shane Odgen, who recorded the moment the aircraft converged before colliding and falling, told Idaho News: “I was just filming thinking they were going to split apart and that happened and I filmed the rest.
Another attendee described the immediate aftermath to NBC News: “I heard someone next to me say, ‘We are down.’ I turned around and saw four parachutes coming down, then black smoke appeared.”
They added that, despite the alarming scene, the response felt “very calm, controlled and well-managed.”
The Gunfighter Skies air show returned this weekend after an eight-year break.
It was last staged in 2018, when a hang glider pilot tragically died during a performance.
Earlier still, in 2003, a Thunderbird aircraft crashed at the event. The pilot, Capt. Chris Stricklin, managed to eject and survive, leaving the plane just 0.8 seconds before impact.