BATTLE CREEK (WWJ) - An explosion during a jet-fuled semitruck pyrotechnic performance left one person dead at the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show Saturday afternoon, authorities said.
As reported by News 8, the Battle Creek Police Department confirmed the death occurred around 1:10 p.m. during the air show's pyrotechnic display by the Shockwave Jet Truck at Battle Creek Executive Airport off Airport Road in Calhoun County,
"He was doing his show and going down the runway," said Suze Gusching, media relations for Field of Flight to the Detroit Free Press. "He passed by the explosion, and his truck had exploded."
Witnesses told New 8 that they observed an explosion and fire coming from a truck.
Local and federal authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration, are currently at Battle Creek Executive Airport conducting an investigation.
The air show is postponed until further notice.
The Shockwave Jet Truck involved in the incident is part of the Darnell Racing Enterprise’s show team from Springfield, Missouri. They feature the Aftershock Jet Fire truck and the Flash Fire Jet Truck.
According to the team’s website, the Shockwave truck is made up of three Pratt & Whitney J34-38 jet engines originally used in U.S. Navy T2 Buckeys. Over 36,000 horsepower and 21,000 pounds of thrust are produced by the powerful engines, propelling the truck up to speeds of 350 mph or more.
The team’s three trucks have been featured at air shows and performances across the nation.
"I have to say that Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival is one of the coolest venues we perform at," the team's Facebook page said back on June 14.
No other information about the fatality was released by authorities.
This is a developing news story. Stay tuned to WWJ LIVE for the latest updates as they becoming available.
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