Colombey-les-Belles, Meurthe-et-Moselle, France – In a tragic incident on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Captain Sébastien Mabire and Lieutenant Matthis Laurens, both esteemed pilots of the French Air Force, lost their lives following a mid-air collision between two Rafale fighter jets during a training mission. The crash occurred in the skies above Colombey-les-Belles, a town in the northeastern region of France.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of the two pilots, highlighting their dedication and service. "We learned with sadness of the deaths of Captain Sébastien Mabire and Lieutenant Matthis Laurens in a crash during a training flight on Rafale fighter jets," Macron stated on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the details of the crash, noting that while one pilot managed to eject safely, the rescue efforts for the remaining pilots, including Captain Mabire, were ultimately unsuccessful. The circumstances surrounding the collision are still under investigation, with the Defense Minister assuring that the French armed forces will provide a thorough explanation of the incident.
The local community in Colombey-les-Belles was startled by the powerful sound of the collision, which occurred around 12:30 PM (local time). Patrice Bonneaux, the deputy mayor of the town, described the noise as a "strange, percussive vibration" unlike the usual sonic boom of a jet breaking the sound barrier.
Eric Morgan, a friend and fellow aviator, shared his grief on Facebook, stating, "Our hearts are heavy with the loss of two exceptional pilots. Captain Sébastien Mabire was a mentor and friend. His dedication to his craft and his country will never be forgotten."
The French Air Force has faced few incidents involving Rafale jets, a testament to the aircraft’s reliability and the skill of its pilots. However, this recent tragedy serves as a solemn reminder of the inherent risks faced by those who serve in the armed forces.
As the nation mourns the loss of these two brave pilots, funeral arrangements for Captain Sébastien Mabire will be announced by his family in due course. The legacy of both Captain Mabire and Lieutenant Laurens will be honored by their comrades and the nation they served with distinction.