Two injured after Iron Maiden’s private jet Ed Force One involved in airport smash
TWO people have been hospitalised after Iron Maiden's private jet was involved in an airport smash.
Iron Maiden's private plane in airport smash
The plane named Ed Force One was tied to a toe truck for refuelling when it is believed a steering pin dropped from the Boeing 747.
The aircraft was left out of control on the tarmac before it hit the ground tug, tearing the plane's undercarriage and injuring two operators.
Both tug workers were taken to hospital from the airport in Santiago, Chile.
Ed Force One is the metal band's own chartered airplane which they have used for world tours to jet around the globe since 2008.
The band is currently at the start of their massive Books of Souls Tour and played in Santiago on Friday night and are due to play in Cordoba tomorrow.
Se confirma que el avión de #IronMaiden iba siendo conducido por #MartinLarrain @lacuarta @thecliniccl @lun pic.twitter.com/33f68lZuxn
— ? Ignacio Molina (@NachoMolinaJ) March 12, 2016
Iron Maiden has used Ed Force one since 2008
We hope to find a new Ed Force One to continue this adventure with us in the near future
A statement said: “We are currently making contingency arrangements to get to the show in Cordoba tomorrow with band, crew and equipment intact.
"Fortunately the 20 tons of equipment had not been loaded onto Ed Force One at the time of the accident.
"Although this is tragic for our beautiful plane we do not expect this to affect our concert schedule including the next two shows in Cordoba and Buenos Aires.
"We hope to find a new Ed Force One to continue this adventure with us in the near future."
The 70-date tour will take them across four continents between February 24 and August 4.
The band - known for such classic songs as 'Run to the hills' and 'Bring your daughter to the slaughter' - will be travelling 55,000 miles in Ed Force One.
Fans have been flocking to Iron Maiden concerts in south America
@biobio @Cooperativa @futurofm Avion de Iron Maiden gravemente dañado pic.twitter.com/dKRXo8pniN
— RodrigoRV (@lujurianaranja) March 12, 2016
It is believed the aircraft the undercarriage is so badly damaged two new engines might be needed.
But th band were keen to let fans know they were still in high spirits, saying: "Our visit to Chile was a huge success with 58,000 fans coming to the show.
"Totally brilliant as ever in the Stadium Nacional last night. We love you guys.”