A US F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight in Michigan. The pilot ejected in time and was transported to a hospital. Meanwhile, locals heard a loud explosion and saw a large black smoke cloud covering the sky.
The dramatic incident occurred in a rural area of Michigan during a routine training flight on Thursday. Fortunately, the pilot was able to eject safely and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Staff Sergeant Derek Gutierrez, public affairs officer of the 149th Fighter Wing, disclosed that the jet came from Texas and was participating in training at the National Guard base in Alpena, northern Michigan, about 305 kilometers from Detroit.
The military has not revealed the pilot's name or injury details, stating that such information is restricted under military policy.
After the incident, images and videos circulated on social media showing a large black smoke plume rising from the crash site.
Wendy Sobek, a local resident, said she and her husband heard a loud noise near a road close to their home. At first, they thought it was a car accident, but then saw the large black smoke. She asked her husband to drive their pickup truck to investigate. Upon arrival, they found aircraft debris scattered in a field and continued hearing explosions.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident, with no further details disclosed at this time.
,AP
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