24-03-2025
Video shows deadly plane explosion at South Africa air show
STORY: :: Maritha Wagner/TMX
:: March 22, 2025
:: Eyewitness video shows a plane exploding into a fireball at an air show in South Africa
:: Saldanha, South Africa
:: The pilot died in the crash but no spectators were harmed, according to the organizers
An Impala Mark 1 aircraft was seen performing a routine display over spectators at the air show, before the plane nose dived to the ground, crashing in a huge fireball.
Reuters was able to independently verify the location by the building structures, and airport layout seen in the video that matched file and satellite imagery. Reuters was able to verify the date of the video from the statement released by the organizers of West Coast Air Show 2025.
The plane was piloted by South African pilot James O' Connell, and appeared stable through most of the performance, according to a statement by the event organizer. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, and all spectators escaped unharmed, the statement added.
