Wing Commander Killed in Tanagra F-4 Crash Buried in Pyrgos

The funeral of Air Force pilot and Wing Commander Ioannis Blesias is being held in Pyrgos, western Greece, in an atmosphere of deep grief. Blesias was one of two Hellenic Air Force pilots who died in the F-4 Phantom crash at Tanagra.

Relatives, friends, fellow Air Force personnel, representatives of the armed forces and government, and residents of the regional unit of Ilia gathered at the church and surrounding area from early Thursday morning to pay tribute to the pilot.

Funeral service in the hometown of 40-year-old Air Force pilot Ioannis Blesias, in Pyrgos, following his death in the tragic accident at the Tanagra Air Show after a Phantom fighter jet crashed on Saturday, Sept. 5. (ILIALIVE.GR Giannis Spirounis / Eurokinissi)

Deputy Minister of National Defense Athanasios Davakis is attending the funeral, representing the government and paying tribute to Blesias for his service to the country.

A particularly strong presence has been reported among Blesias’ Air Force colleagues, many of whom traveled to Pyrgos to accompany him to his final resting place.

The second pilot killed in the Tanagra crash, Squadron Leader Dimitris Petrou, is scheduled to be buried at 4:30 p.m. in Katsikas, Ioannina.

The two pilots lost their lives in the F-4 Phantom accident at Tanagra. The crash has led to funeral ceremonies being held in their respective hometowns as colleagues, relatives and members of the public pay their respects.