Airmen plunge to death wrapped in Colombian flag after stunt gone wrong

Two members of Colombia’s air force plunged to their deaths wrapped in their nation’s flag when a cable hanging from a helicopter snapped while they were performing a mid-air stunt.

The accident on Sunday happened during a parade to mark the traditional Medellin Flower Fair. The city’s airport was immediately closed in the aftermath of the accident.

Videos circulating on social media show the moment when the two airmen fall to their death. Moments earlier they had been clinging to a metal cable and waving to the crowd below while carrying a giant Colombian flag through the air.

Colombia’s Defence Ministry says it is investigating the causes of the tragedy.