A SHOCKWAVE Jet truck driver has been killed in a freak accident at a popular Michigan air show.
The victim, named as 40-year-old Chris Darnell, died moments after his vehicle experienced mechanical failures on Saturday, July 2, 2022.
Who was Chris Darnell?
Darnell was the driver and pilot of the Flash Fire Jet Truck and the Shockwave Jet Truck at the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show in Michigan.
He was part of the family-run Darnell Racing Enterprise’s show team.
The teams, who are based in Springfield, Missouri, travel all across the United States to perform their shows.
According to the team website, Chris was an experienced motorsports promotion businessman and had spent years perfecting his skills in drag racing.
The driver had a Bachelors Degree in marketing and advertising and promotions from Missouri State University and owned a Truck accessory company called 4 Wheel Customs.
His devastated father Neal, who shared driving duties with his son, said Chris was “living his dream” before his tragic death.
Confirming his son's death in a Facebook post he said: "We are so sad. Just one month ago Chris turned 40,.
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"He was so well loved by everyone who knew him."
"Chris so loved the air show business. He was 'living the dream' as he said."
What happened in Shockwave Jet truck accident?
Darnell died after his jet truck was engulfed in flames while racing at speeds of 300mph as part of an event during the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival.
The Shockwave Jet Truck was racing two planes when the incident occurred.
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As the parachute from the truck deployed, the vehicle became engulfed in flames and exploded.
The explosion left thick black smoke in the air.
Horror footage shows the moment the vehicle exploded in front of shocked onlookers in Michigan on Saturday, July 2, 2022.
Suze Gusching, media relations for Field of Flight, told the Battle Creek Enquirer: "[The driver] was doing his show and going down the runway.
"He passed by the explosion, and his truck had exploded."
According to the team website, the Shockwave Truck features three Pratt & Whitney J34-38 jet engines originally used by the US Navy T2 Buckeys.
The engines produce 36,000 horsepower and provide 21,000 pounds of thrust, allowing the truck to reach speeds of more than 350 mph.
An investigation by The Battle Creek Fire Department, Battle Creek Police Department, and Federal Aviation Administration is ongoing.
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The festival was scheduled to take place from June 30 until July 4, 2022.
The air show was canceled for the remainder of the day on Saturday, July 2, after the incident.
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