New video footage documenting the moment of the fatal crash of a fighter jet in Tanagra has come to light, three days after the shocking accident that claimed the lives of two pilots. The new images, released by Star channel, capture frame by frame the Phantom jet appearing to be engulfed in flames mid-air.
Tanagra: The moment of the Phantom jet crash
In the newly released footage from Star channel, the fire appears to have started before the actual impact. Flaming debris can be seen hurled dozens of meters away upon ground impact, due to the aircraft’s speed of at least 700 kilometers per hour. After losing altitude and striking a utility pole near Profitis Ilias, the fighter jet was engulfed in flames and disintegrated in the air.
According to Star’s reporting, a separate piece of video footage captured the fatal moment from a different angle. It is noted that the aircraft was carrying 7,500 liters of kerosene, and a series of successive explosions were heard. Factory workers in the area witnessed the tragedy firsthand, as the flames from the crash approached their facility. The video also captured the words of shocked bystanders in the immediate aftermath.
“Call them, call them,” “Hey watch out, don’t go near it,” “Oh God, there was an explosion,” “Holy sh**, did they manage to get out?” — these are among the reactions heard from eyewitnesses on the footage. These images are also expected to serve as key evidence in the ongoing investigation into the cause of the accident.
