Two French Mirage fighter jets reportedly crashed mid-air on Wednesday (Aug 14) morning in France’s north-eastern region, triggering the launch of a massive search and rescue operation. The jets collided on the border between Vosges and Meurthe-et-Moselle, south of Colombey-les-Belles.
Local media reported that while one pilot, who ejected just before the crash, was found injured but conscious, two other pilots involved in the accident couldn’t be located. Among those still unaccounted for are a student pilot and his instructor.
In a post on X, the officials in the Prefet de Vosges region urged the members of the public to avoid the area, where emergency services were being rushed. Media reports said teams of police, firefighters, and the forestry service had joined the rescue efforts.
“Aircraft accident in the Harmonville sector, the departmental operational centre is activated in support of the armed forces to coordinate rescue operations. Avoid the area and follow the instructions of the authorities,” said Prefet de Vosges region in a post on X.
It is believed that the two aircraft involved in the crash came from nearby Ochey Air Base 133. The crash happened in a remote, difficult-to-reach area, making relief efforts difficult and slow. The two aircraft were returning from a refuelling mission in Germany.
“An accident involving two Rafales from the Rafale 3/4 “Aquitaine” Transformation Squadron took place in Meurthe et Moselle,” the French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu said in a statement. “One of the pilots has been found, he is safe and sound. The search is still ongoing. Thanks to our armed forces as well as to the gendarmes mobilized in the search and to secure the area.”
(With inputs from agencies)