Horror at US airshow as two fighter jets collide mid-air

Two US fighter jets have collided mid-air at a US airshow in horrific accident.

All four crew members were able to safely eject after the collision at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.

Pictures from the scene showed huge plumes of smoke following the dramatic crash, which took place about 50 miles south of Boise.

"We had four good parachutes. The crews were able to eject," an announcer at the air show told the crowd, according to the Idaho Statesman.

The announcer continued: "They’re located one mile south of where the smoke is. The parachutes came down."

And in a follow up, the announcer said: "Crash fire rescue and various other emergency services are on their way to the pilots and crew. There were four good parachutes.

"That is always a positive in our world. If you are so inclined to take the time now to say a prayer."

The planes were flying E/A-18G "Vikings" Growler demo team aircraft from the Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 from Whidbey Island, the 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office said.

All four crew members are now being evaluated after the incident, which occurred at 12.10pm (7.10pm GMT).

Shane Ogden was filming the incident as the two jets collided, spinning together before crashing and sparking a dramatic blaze.

He told The Guardian: "I was just filming thinking they were going to split apart and that happened and I filmed the rest."

And Kim Sykes, the marketing director with Silver Wings of Idaho, said the safety of all involved was "the most important thing".

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Attendees were told not to leave the base after the incident.

The emergency crews needed to have a clear area to control a brush fire that was sparked by the crash.

The remaining plan of the air show was cancelled at 2.30pm (9.30pm GMT).

This was the first time the Gunfighter Skies had been held at the base in eight years.

Organisers of the events say the air show is a celebration of aviation history and a look at modern air force capabilities.

At the event in 2018, a hang glider pilot died in an accident during a performance.

And in 2003, a Thunderbird crashed, but its pilot was able to safely eject moments before crashing.

The 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office said in a statement that emergency responders attended the scene, and an investigation is now underway.