Thai fighter jet crashes at Children's Day show

In this image made from video, a plume of smoke and fire rises from the site where a fighter jet crashed during and airshow on Saturday in Hat Yai, southern Thailand. (AP Photo)

BANGKOK: A Thai military air show for children was marred by tragedy Saturday when a fighter jet plunged from the sky and burst into flames, killing the pilot.
Families were gathered at the airport in the southern city of Hat Yai to watch the show put on for Thailand’s annual Children’s Day.
Amateur video footage showed the JAS 39 Gripen jet maneuvering over the Hat Yai air base in southern Thailand when it suddenly lost altitude and crashed in a ball of fire away from spectators.
The Ministry of Defense is investigating the cause of the crash on Saturday.
Deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipakerachon says Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha expressed condolences to the pilot’s family.
Children’s Day is usually observed with public outings at military bases.