3 dead, 56 injured in air show crash in U.S.

PanARMENIAN.Net - A World War II-era fighter plane flown by a veteran Hollywood stunt pilot plunged Friday, September 16, into the edge of the grandstands during a popular air race, killing 3 people, injuring more than 50 spectators and creating a horrific scene strewn with smoking debris.

According to AP, the plane, piloted by 74-year-old Jimmy Leeward, spiraled out of control without warning and appeared to disintegrate upon impact. Bloodied bodies were spread across the area as people tended to the victims and ambulances rushed to the scene.

Authorities were investigating the cause, but an official with the event said there were indications that mechanical problems were to blame.

Emergency crews took a total of 56 injury victims to three hospitals. They also observed a number of people being transported by private vehicle, which they are not including in their count.

Of the total 56, at the time of transport, 15 were considered in critical condition, 13 were serious condition with potentially life-threatening injuries and 28 were non-serious or non-life threatening.