Washington, 18 May (H.S.): The Gunfighter Skies Air Show, held in the northwestern U.S. state of Idaho, was cancelled after two American fighter aircraft collided midair before the second day of performances at Mountain Home Air Force Base. Both aircraft caught fire after the collision and were completely destroyed. Remarkably, all four crew members aboard the two jets survived and managed to eject safely in time.

According to reports by CBS News and NBC News, the condition of all four crew members is stable, and no spectators or civilians present at the military base were injured.

The accident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time on Sunday. The fighter jets, which were participating in aerial demonstrations during the air show, suddenly collided in midair before crashing to the ground. Both aircraft burst into flames immediately after impact.

Commander Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for the U.S. Pacific Fleet Naval Air Force, confirmed that the aircraft involved were two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler electronic attack jets belonging to Electronic Attack Squadron 129.

She stated that all four crew members safely ejected from the aircraft and that an official investigation into the incident is currently underway.

According to Commander Umayam, the EA-18G Growlers had been deployed from Whidbey Island to Electronic Attack Squadron 129. The United States Navy estimates the cost of each aircraft at approximately $67 million.

Kim Sykes, Marketing Director for Silver Wings of Idaho, the organization associated with the air show planning, said no one on the military base was injured.

“Everyone is safe, and that is the most important thing,” she said.

In a social media statement, the military airbase announced that the facility had been sealed immediately after the crash and confirmed that the air show had been officially cancelled.

According to the event organizers, the popular air show was intended to celebrate aviation history while showcasing modern military capabilities. The event also featured aerial performances and parachute demonstrations.

The U.S. Air Force Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, was scheduled to be the main attraction on both days of the show.

Mountain Home Police later confirmed the cancellation of the air show and advised the public to avoid the area surrounding the base.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar