Credited from: SCMP
A tragic accident occurred during an air show at Tanagra Air Base near Athens when a Greek two-seat F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed, resulting in the death of both pilots. The incident happened while the jet was performing a low-altitude maneuver, just minutes after takeoff. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the thousands of spectators attending the event, according to Reuters and SCMP.
The crash led to large plumes of black smoke and a significant fire that necessitated the intervention of eleven firefighting aircraft and helicopters, which assisted 85 firefighters in their efforts to contain the blaze. The authorities were able to recover the pilots' bodies amid the chaotic scene exacerbated by the fire at the air show, as noted by India Times and SCMP.
In light of this tragedy, the organizers of the Athens Flying Week canceled all remaining events for the weekend, and the Hellenic Air Force declared three days of mourning as a tribute to the deceased pilots. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed the nation's grief and emphasized the risks faced by aviators who protect Greece's airspace. Cyprus' Defence Minister also extended condolences to Greece, reaffirming the deep sense of loss felt throughout the region, according to Reuters and India Times.