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2 Jun, 2016 19:57

Thunderbird jet crashes just after Air Force Academy graduation flyover

Thunderbird jet crashes just after Air Force Academy graduation flyover

A Thunderbird fighter jet crashed south of Colorado springs immediately after the fleet it was part of had performed at the Air Force Academy’s graduation, where President Barack Obama spoke.

The pilot ejected and there are no reports of other injuries, according to Air Force spokeswoman Lt. Col. Michal Kloeffler-Howard.

The crash occurred on Thursday around 1:30 p.m. local time, 15 miles south of the academy, and may have been caused by engine failure.

The crash happened just after the Thunderbirds gave a performance for the Air Force Academy’s graduation in north Colorado Springs, where Obama was giving a commencement speech. The president was still at the graduation site at the time of the crash.

“I can confirm the pilot was safely ejected,” Maj. William Russell said, according to the Denver Post.

The Thunderbirds confirmed on Twitter that nobody was hurt and that there  was “no hazard to the public.”

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