Times have changed.
When I started operational flying in the dim distant past, accident rates had come down dramatically over the previous decade. Nevertheless, during my early years, between the four Canadian F104 (US designed aircraft) bases one would expect an accident approximately every six weeks.
The Harrier, of course, because of its particular capabilities, would be expected to be somewhat less safe than other single engine attack aircraft. Still, an equivalent accident with an F16/F18/Mirage/F15 ... etc. ... would not come as a shock.
What interests me about this accident is that a combat loaded aircraft was allowed to fly over a city.
That would never have been allowed in my time. I am even more surprised that it would happen today, when the emphasis on safety in all things has become so much more pronounced.
Is there perhaps an explanation that accounts for the flight path over the city?