Midair collision between two jets at air show prompts Idaho Air Force base lockdown
Mountain Home Air Force Base near Boise, Idaho, was placed on lockdown on Sunday afternoon following a tragic incident at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show. Two U.S. Navy EA-18 Growler jets collided in midair during a performance, leading to a harrowing scene captured by bystander videos.
According to Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, a spokesperson for the Naval Air Force U.S. Pacific Fleet, all four crew members aboard the jets successfully ejected from the aircraft and are currently in stable condition. The Mountain Home Air Force Base Gunfighters confirmed their well-being.
The crash occurred around 12:10 p.m. MDT as the jets were executing an aerial demonstration. The two jets involved in the collision were part of the Electronic Attack Squadron based in Whidbey Island, Washington. An investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway.
Bystander footage of the incident shows the two jets flying in close proximity before colliding in midair. Following the impact, the planes descended rapidly towards the ground, with four parachutes deploying as the crew members evacuated. A plume of black smoke rose from the crash site as the jets hit the ground and exploded.
In light of the accident, the air show was immediately canceled. The Mountain Home Police Department took to social media to inform spectators not to travel to the Air Force base in the aftermath of the tragic event.
The community is coming together to support the affected crew members and their families during this difficult time. As investigations continue, authorities are working diligently to understand the circumstances that led to the midair collision at the air show.
