Washington (Rajeev Sharma): A dramatic mid-air collision involving two US Navy fighter jets stunned spectators at an Idaho air show, but all four crew members escaped safely after ejecting just moments before the aircraft crashed.
The accident occurred during a planned aerial demonstration when the two EA-18G Growler aircraft collided while performing a manoeuvre, causing both jets to spiral downward and burst into flames upon impact.
Witnesses described scenes of shock as the aircraft struck each other high above the airfield, followed by a loud explosion-like sound that echoed across the venue. Within seconds, relief spread through the crowd as four parachutes opened in the sky.
Emergency crews from Mountain Home Air Force Base, assisted by local first responders, rushed to the crash zones and recovered all four aviators.
Military officials later confirmed that the crew members sustained only minor injuries and were shifted to a nearby medical centre for precautionary treatment. All were reported to be stable.
A spokesperson for the US Pacific Fleet said the pilots successfully initiated emergency ejection procedures after the collision, allowing them to escape before the jets were destroyed.
Authorities confirmed the wreckage landed inside a restricted safety area away from the audience section, preventing any injuries on the ground.
The EA-18G Growler is a highly specialised electronic warfare aircraft used by the US Navy for disrupting hostile radar and communication systems. Each aircraft is operated by a pilot and an electronic warfare officer.
Following the crash, organisers immediately called off the remaining air show activities as security teams sealed the site for investigation.
The US Navy and aviation safety authorities have launched a detailed probe into the incident. Investigators are expected to examine cockpit data, maintenance logs and communication records to determine what led to the collision.
The rare accident has raised fresh questions about the risks associated with military demonstration flights, despite strict operational safety protocols.
