CRASH OF A F-16 FIGHTER JET ON THE GROUND OF NATO TRAINING SITE IN SPAIN

USPA NEWS - A Fighter plane, crashed fatally, this afternoon (About 3h30 pm local time Spanish) in Albacete, base of training NATO, near Madrid, Spain. At the time of publication, the accident occurred in a military area, so that the information will be completed once updated from the French authorities.

THE FRENCH PRESIDENT FRANCOIS HOLLANDE EXPRESSES HIS EMOTION -------------------------------------------- "It is with great emotion that the President of the Republic has learned the death of eight airmen following an accident caused by the fall of a fighter jet F-16 shortly after take off from the base of Albacete in Spain during an air exercise in the NATO framework. The accident also caused serious burn injuries to six mechanics personnel, according to the current report presented by the Spanish authorities ", said the Head of State.------------------------------------------------- The French President expressed his deep respect for the commitment of the staff, officers and NCOs, who were preparing for the operational missions of the Air Force. He recalled that the French airmen engaged in the Sahel and over Iraq, do every day with courage and effective their mission, in the fight against terrorist groups and strengthen our security. The Head of State extends its deepest condolences to the families relatives and classmates assure them of the full solidarity of the Nation in these painful circumstances.------------------------------------------------------- The Defence Minister, Jean Yves Le Drian has also extended his deepest condolences to the relatives of the victims and expresses his sympathy to the injured ", according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence. The Minister will travel to Spain as soon as possible, at the scene of the tragedy.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more information, see www.defense.gouv.fr