A man has died after a jet violently crashed into a runway before bursting into flames.
The incident happened in the Polish city of Radom, just 62 miles south of Warsaw, at around 5.30pm UK time.
The victim has now been identified as army veteran Major Maciej "SLAB" Krakowian who was piloting the F-16 jet.
The plane had been undertaking a loop-the-loop in practice for the Radom Air Show, which was set to take place this weekend.
Footage of the crash showed the jet plummeting to the ground before erupting into a ball of fire with great plumes of black smoke.
The flaming wreckage can then be seen skidding nearly 60 metres down the runway and continuing to burn as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
It is believed the Major Krakowian did not have time to eject and died on impact.
The Polish military have confirmed that no one on the ground was injured.
The Polish military have confirmed that no one on the ground was injured
|X
Tributes have flooded in for the pilot, who is believed to have lead the Tiger Demo Team Poland, and recently won the prestigious "As the Crow Flies Trophy" at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 in the UK.
Polish Deputy Prime Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamusz posted on social media: "I am at the scene of the tragedy.
"In the F-16 plane crash, a Polish Army pilot died - an officer who always served the Fatherland with dedication and great courage.
"I pay tribute to his memory. To the family and loved ones, I offer my deepest condolences.
"This is a great loss for the Air Force and the entire Polish Army."
PLANE CRASH HORROR - READ MORE:
PICTURED: Major Maciej 'SLAB' Krakowian
|RADOM AIR SHOW
Poland's President Karol Nawrocki added: "I have received very sad news about the F-16 plane crash in which a Polish pilot died.
"I extend my most sincere condolences to the Family. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord."
Meanwhile the Military Recruitment Centre in Wroclaw said: "In today's F-16 Tiger Demo Team crash in Radom, pilot Maj. Maciej 'Slab' Krakowian was killed.
"There are no words to express how enormous this tragedy is. Rest in Peace."
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the accident by military police - who are "already on site".
The Radom Air Show, the largest aviation show in Poland and one of the largest in Europe, has since been cancelled.
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