Paris – Saint-Dizier (Agencies): In a dramatic incident, two Alpha Jets from the prestigious Patrouille de France aerobatic team collided midair during a stunt rehearsal near Saint-Dizier Air Base in eastern France. The collision, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, resulted in both jets spiraling to the ground and erupting into a fiery explosion. Fortunately, all three crew members—two pilots and one passenger—managed to eject safely and were found conscious.
The French Air and Space Force confirmed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the three individuals involved were slightly injured and promptly taken into care. Emergency services were swiftly deployed to the crash site, ensuring the situation was brought under control.
Eyewitness footage captured the moment the jets, releasing colorful smoke trails, collided during a synchronized maneuver. One of the jets crashed into a grain silo, causing an explosion, while the other landed on agricultural land. Remarkably, there were no reported injuries on the ground.
French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu expressed his gratitude to the emergency responders and extended his thoughts to the pilots of the Patrouille de France. Saint-Dizier Mayor Quentin Briere also reassured the public, emphasizing that the crew members were safe and receiving medical attention.
Two of the individuals involved were transported to a nearby hospital in a condition described as a “relative emergency,” while the third, who sustained multiple injuries, is receiving specialized treatment from the army. The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation.
The Alpha Jet, a two-seat light attack and advanced trainer aircraft, has been a staple of the French Air Force since its development in the 1970s by Dassault Aviation and Dornier. Known for its agility and precision, the aircraft is widely used for pilot training and aerobatic displays.
This rare accident has raised questions about training protocols and airspace safety, prompting an internal review by French authorities. The Patrouille de France, established in 1953, is renowned for its spectacular aerial displays and is considered one of the world’s elite aerobatic teams. Despite the incident, the team’s legacy of excellence and precision remains unshaken.