A midair collision between two military aircraft over Mountain Home air force base in western Idaho on Sunday sent the base into lockdown as emergency crews raced to the scene.
The incident occurred during the Gunfighter Skies air show, with witnesses reporting that two EA-18G Growler jets crashed roughly 2 miles from the base. Video footage posted online captured four parachutes deploying as the aircraft fell from the sky, suggesting all four crew members aboard may have ejected safely.
Mountain Home air force base announced the lockdown in a social media post shortly after the collision. Emergency responders were deployed immediately, and officials confirmed that an investigation had begun, though few details were disclosed initially.
The base's public affairs office declined to provide additional information at the time, citing the ongoing response and investigation. A spokesperson for Mountain Home told Reuters that emergency crews were already on scene and that further details would be released as the situation developed.
The Gunfighter Skies air show was canceled following the incident, and local police issued a warning for residents to avoid the area. The event, which celebrates aviation history and showcases modern air force capabilities, had featured flying demonstrations and was drawing spectators to the base for the weekend.
The EA-18G Growler demo team had been listed among the scheduled performers for the show, which draws crowds annually to view military aircraft in action.
Author James Rodriguez: "A sobering reminder that even routine air show demonstrations carry real risks, and the speed at which these incidents unfold leaves little margin for error."
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