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NATO fighter jet crash kills 10

January 27, 2015

Eight French soldiers and two Greek pilots have been killed after a Greek fighter jet crashed during a NATO training session in southeastern Spain. At least another 20 have been injured.

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NATO fighter jet crash, Spain
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/Manu

The Greek F-16 fighter jet was participating in a NATO training program at the Los Llanos base near the city of Albacete when it crashed into several other aircraft on the ground on Monday at around 15:30 (14:30 GMT).

The injured were mainly French and Italian soldiers.

Witnesses reported multiple explosions after the crash and a number of aircraft in flames. A fireball and heavy smoke could be seen rising from the crash scene as emergency crews worked to put out the blaze.

Following the incident, French President Francois Hollande "expressed his deep respect for the commitment" of the airmen who were preparing for operational missions within the air force to fight "against terrorist groups" in Iraq and the Sahel region.

NATO's Tactical Leadership Program, was set up among 10 countries including Belgium, Denmark, France, Britain, Italy, Spain, the US and Germany in 1978 and has operated at the Spanish base since 2009.

'Heartfelt condolences'

In a statement on Monday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: "I am deeply saddened by the crash of a Greek fighter jet at the Los Llanos base in Spain, which has caused many casualties."

"This is a tragedy which affects the whole NATO family. I express my heartfelt condolences to the loved ones and the nations of those who lost their lives, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured."

The Spanish police have launched an investigation. NATO said it was looking into the reports.

ksb/bw (Reuters, AFP, dpa)