At least six dead after crash of Mexican Air Force jet fighter

Chilling video footage of rescuers desperately trying to break the windshield of a Mexican Air Force jet that crashed on takeoff, killing at least six soldiers, according to reports.

The Learjet 45 crashed into the ground after taking off from El Lencero airport in Emiliano Zapata, near the town of Xalapa in the state of Veracruz, at around 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, Reuters reported, quoting the defense secretariat.

Officials at the site of a Mexican Air Force plane crash near El Lencero Airport in Veracruz on February 21, 2021.
Officials at the site of a Mexican Air Force plane crash near El Lencero Airport in Veracruz on February 21, 2021.
STV Puebla

Dramatic footage shows rescue crews attempting to break the burning plane’s windshield while spewing flames and thick smoke.

The six victims have not been identified and the military will investigate, the ministry added.

The wreckage of a Mexican Air Force plane is depicted after the crash and killing of six people on board.
The wreckage of a Mexican Air Force plane is depicted after the crash and killing of six people on board.
REUTERS / Oscar Martinez

It was unclear how many people were on board the doomed flight.

“We offer our deepest condolences to our comrades-in-arms,” said the secretariat, Agence France-Presse said.

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