An F/A 18D Navy jet Crashed into apartment buildings in Virginia Beach, with both pilots ejecting safely. The fighter jet, stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana, was flying a regular training mission when it crashed.
Extent of Damage after Navy Jet Crashed into Apartment Buildings
Officials said at least two apartment buildings were on fire, but there were no immediate reports of injuries on the ground. Aerial TV footage shows black smoke billowing from the apartment buildings, with the jet exhaust the only part of the aircraft remaining visible. Local TV stations said the jet hit the apartment buildings.
Robert Matthias, assistant to Virginia Beach’s city manager, told The Associated Press, crews are at the scene of an apartment complex where the jet crashed in what he described as a courtyard.
(AP Photo)
Interstate 264 eastbound is closed at Rosemont Road in Virginia Beach, and one westbound lane has been opened, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. Bruce Nedelka, Virginia Beach EMS division chief, said there were no reports of fatalities, although several people were being treated for smoke inhalation.
In a statement released by NBC “Our prayers are with our entire Hampton Roads and military communities right now as our first responders are admirably addressing the situation on the ground. I have spoken with Governor McDonnell, Mayor Sessoms, and leadership at Naval Air Station Oceana, and my office and I stand ready to assist as appropriate.”
The Navy said in a news release that the jet was an F/A-18D assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 106, based at Naval Air Station Oceana.
