Fighter jet crashes during Children's Day airshow in Thailand

January 14, 2017

A fighter jet crashed, killing the pilot, at, ​, Thailand this morning during an annual airshow. The crashed onto a runway at around 9:30 am local time (0230 ) and exploded, closing the airport to commercial flights. The pilot was identified as Squadron Leader Dilokrit Pattavee. Local media reports an rolled over while responding.

Children screamed in video footage of the crash. The asked that images of the accident not be shared, but this has not deterred the press. Air Force spokesperson Pongsak Semachai said an investigatory commission would be formed. Prime Minister offered his sympathies to Pattavee's relatives.

Thailand began purchasing the Swedish-built Gripen jets in 2008 and has twelve. None of its neighbours have similar aircraft, which cost the nation around 2.5 billion (US$70 million) each.