Colombia airmen plunge to death wrapped in flag during stunt

The country's defence ministry is investigating the cause of the tragedy

Air Force members Jesus Mosquera and Sebastian Gamboa hang from an helicopter as they wave a Colombian flag as part of a performance during the Flower Festival in Medellin, Colombia, on August 11, 2019. According to the Colombian Air Force, Mosquera and Gamboa accidentally died after falling down when they were still hanging from the aircraft before landing at a local airport. / AFP / JOAQUIN SARMIENTO

Air Force members Jesus Mosquera and Sebastian Gamboa hang from an helicopter as they wave a Colombian flag as part of a performance during the Flower Festival in Medellin, Colombia, on August 11, 2019. According to the Colombian Air Force, both men accidentally died after falling down when they were still hanging from the aircraft before landing at a local airport. AFP / JOAQUIN SARMIENTO

Associated Press
Aug 12, 2019
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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 on Sunday.

The accident happened during a parade to mark the traditional Medellin Flower Fair. The city's airport was immediately closed after the accident.

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Videos on social media show 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.

Colombia's defence Ministry said it was investigating the cause of the tragedy.

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