Moment fighter jet crashes in fireball explosion in front of horrified spectators

An F16 crashed to the ground in a ball of fire in front of horrified spectators, who could be heard screaming and seen holding their heads in their hands. Poland's Radom Air Show was the site of the incident. Two pilots died in a previous incident at the show in 2007.

Polish reporter Dawid Owczarek was quoted as saying: "An F-16 aircraft from the Tiger Demo team nosedived over the runway, failed to recover, and instead hit the ground. It immediately burst into flames. Firefighters are on the scene."

The horrific accident occurred at around 7.25 pm local time today. Firefighters rushed to the scene in Radom after the aircraft arrowed into the ground.

"A tragic evening for the Polish Air Force, the crash of an F-16 aircraft. I just spoke with Deputy Prime Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, the Minister of Defense, who is traveling to Radom. (...) The pilot did not survive," Polish Minister of Special Services, Tomasz Siemoniak, told TVN24.

The Spanish Air Force, which has its personnel on the scene, has expressed its "deepest sorrow" following the crash.

It stated on X: "The Air Force wishes to express its deepest sorrow for the tragic accident that occurred today in Radom (Poland), in which an F-16 crashed during rehearsals for the upcoming air festival, resulting in the death of its pilot.

"We join in the sorrow of our colleagues from the Polish Air Force and offer our heartfelt support to their family and loved ones during these very difficult times. Likewise, we report that the 15 members of the (Spanish) Air Force deployed in Radom are in perfect condition. Rest in peace."