A person was killed at a Michigan air present Saturday when his jet-fueled semi-truck exploded throughout a horrific pyrotechnic accident.
The motive force, recognized as 40-year Chris Darnell, was racing two planes at round 1:10 pm through the Area of Flight Air Present at Battle Creek Area, hitting speeds of as much as 300 miles an hour. However when he launched the parachute from his “Shockwave Jet Truck,” as he was passing the world the place the pyrotechnic show was set off, it burst into flames and blew up, WWMT reported.
Spectators on the Fourth of July weekend extravaganza watched in disbelief, some shouting “No!” as soon as the automobile exploded.
A neighborhood pastor received on the intercom after the blast and led the surprised crowd in a prayer for Darnell and his household, in response to WXMI.
“He was doing his present and taking place the runway,” mentioned Suze Gusching, media relations for Area of Flight. “He handed by the explosion, and his truck had exploded.”
The Battle Creek Fireplace Division, Battle Creek Police Division, and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating.
The remainder of the air present was postponed for hours earlier than it was finally canceled, WXMI reported. Saturday’s night actions on the Michigan competition are nonetheless scheduled to happen as deliberate, as are Sunday and Monday’s occasions.
The Shockwave Jet Truck, which is outfitted with three jet engines of a kind utilized in Navy planes, is a part of the Darnell Racing Enterprise’s present staff. Based mostly in Springfield, Missouri, the staff’s three vans have appeared at exhibits throughout the U.S.
Associates of Darnell took to social media after the horrific accident to supply their condolences to his household.
“RIP Chris Darnell … our ideas and prayers are together with his dad, Neal Darnell and the complete household,” wrote Scott Palmer on Fb, calling the occasion and the household “one of many biggest.”
Neal Darnell is the proprietor of Shockwave Jet Truck, in response to his Fb profile.
“RIP Chris Darnell. I’m nonetheless in shock that I witnessed your final moments immediately at Battle Creek earlier than the unlucky mishap that took your life,” wrote Shockwave fan Zak Priest.
“I grew up watching you at Airshows round Michigan and Ohio and had the chance to fulfill and discuss to you many occasions. Condolences to your loved ones. You're a legend.”
“Chris Darnell my coronary heart is damaged,” mentioned Darrell Jones.
“You gave me the experience of my life final Saturday and to consider how we talked in regards to the future and what number of extra smiles you needed to convey to individuals leaves me torn proper now. My coronary heart hurts for your loved ones and staff. Thanks for every part.”
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