(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-05-09 08:17

JERUSALEM - A paratrooper of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday crashed into the audience during a skydiving display for the 60th anniversary of the statehood.

Among the eight injured people, two sustained serious wounds. The paratrooper was moderately wounded in his spine and pelvis, according to medical sources.

The paratroopers were supposed to land in the sea after forming the number "60" in the sky but one of them missed his designated landing spot and drifted towards the crowd at the beach in Tel Aviv.

IDF officials have said that all the paratroopers who took part in the air show were experienced reservists who had skydived numerous times during their military service and had sufficiently trained for the Independence Day display.

As one of a series of events across the country, the IDF staged a flyover display for the public, which included a skydiving display by soldiers from the Paratroopers Brigade.

Meanwhile, aerobatic and aerial rescue shows were held in the coastal area by Israel Air Force helicopters and aircraft.