Horrifying video shows the moment that two World War II-era airplanes collided mid-air during an airshow in Texas. The air disaster left six people dead.
According to initial reports, two planes crashed into each other while flying above Dallas around 2:30 p.m. EST on Saturday. The planes were reportedly part of the Commemorative Air Force’s Wings Over Dallas Show.
Video reportedly shows a Bell P-63 Kingcobra fighter plane colliding with a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber as it flew at a low altitude over the airfield at Dallas Executive Airport. The planes break into pieces and then crash to the ground. A large and fiery explosion followed and black smoke billowed into the sky.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a statement on the aircraft collision in Dallas:
A Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and a Bell P-63 Kingcobra collided and crashed at the Wings Over Dallas Airshow at Dallas Executive Airport in Texas around 1:20 p.m. local time Saturday. At this time, it is unknown how many people were on both aircraft. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide additional updates.
There were over 40 fire rescue units deployed to the scene, according to Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR).
Witnesses said debris from the crash was now strewn over Highway 67 in Texas.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbot said of the airshow crash, “Planes collide during air show at Dallas Executive Airport. The Texas Dept. of Public Safety, Texas Division of Emergency Management, and the Texas Dept. of Transportation are assisting local officials in responding to this tragedy.”
Authorities said that six people died in the mid-air crash.
Leah Block – a spokesperson for Commemorative Air Force – said there were five crew members on the B-17 and one aboard the P-63, according to ABC News.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said on Sunday, “Authorities will continue working today on the investigation & identification of the deceased. Please pray for their families and all involved.”
There were no injuries to anyone on the ground, according to Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson.
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