Thousands watch military jet crash and ignite near Athens

Thousands of people watched a Greek military aircraft crash and send thick black smoke into the sky during Athens Flying Week near Athens.

The two-seat F-4 Phantom went down on Saturday at Tanagra air base, about 60 kilometers north of the capital, while performing a low-altitude maneuver. A fire broke out after the crash, but it started some distance from the area reserved for spectators. The Associated Press reported that no visitors were injured.

The condition of the two crew members remained unknown. Greece's air force had not immediately released information about them, and the fire complicated rescue efforts. Numerous firefighters were sent to the scene, including 85 firefighters supported from the air by 11 firefighting aircraft and helicopters.

The crash occurred on the first day of the two-day air show, held on September 5 and 6. The F-4 Phantoms had been promoted as one of this year's attractions and among their final public appearances before being withdrawn from service.