Eleven people have been killed and 13 injured after a Greek F-16 fighter jet crashed at a NATO air base in Spain. The accident occurred during take-off at Los Llanos air base in Albacete, 163 miles south-east of Madrid, as part of a NATO training exercise.
The Greek jet lost power shortly after take-off and crashed into a parking area where other aircraft were stationed, according to Spain's defence ministry. The crash ignited a fire and destroyed several parked planes, including Italian AMX jets. Plumes of black smoke rose from the scene as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.
Among the dead are the two Greek pilots on board the F-16, one French national, and several others whose nationalities have not yet been confirmed. The Italian defence ministry reported nine of its personnel injured, two of whom were hospitalised. France's defence ministry confirmed one French death and five serious injuries. No US personnel were killed, though some were treated for minor injuries.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed deep sadness over the crash, calling it 'a tragedy that affects the whole NATO family.' The base is host to NATO's Tactical Leadership Programme, which trains pilots from allied nations in multinational air operations.
Seven of the injured are in a serious condition in hospital. Spanish authorities are withholding the identities of the deceased until families have been notified. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
