Navy Jet Crash Sets Fire to Apartments


. By Jane Mundy

A Navy jet that crashed into an apartment complex sent at least five people to hospital with injuries. One victim is believed to be one of the pilots—the two pilots apparently ejected before impact—and one other is a civilian who suffered smoke inhalation from the burning apartment buildings. Other injuries have not yet been determined.

According to The Virginian-Pilot newspaper, the crash occurred in an area of Virginia Beach at 12.30pm Friday. Witnesses say they saw two parachutes descending in the air, with both parachutes being caught in buildings above ground. The newspaper reported that one of the pilots was still attached to his parachute and trapped within the burning apartment building before a local neighborhood child freed the Navy pilot from his parachute with a knife.

So far it is unclear how many people have been injured but no fatalities have been reported. Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms said at least 55 emergency workers and 65 police officers are on the scene. As well, more state police officers, emergency workers and law enforcement officials from nearby areas are responding.

The pilots were flying a two-seat F/A-18D Hornet, which had been assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 106 based at Naval Air Station Oceana, located in Virginia Beach.


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