F16 crash - live: US fighter jet explodes in Michigan during training exercise

F16 crash - live: US fighter jet explodes in Michigan during training exercise An F-16 fighter jet has crashed in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, as images from the scene show a massive fire burning among debris in a field An F-16 fighter jet has crashed in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, just moments after the pilot ejected and parachuted to safety. The crash happened at around 2pm (local time) near County Road 633 and Blair Townhall Road in Blair Township. Dramatic images from the scene show a large fire and thick smoke rising from the wreckage. The National Guard said the aircraft was an F-16 from the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing and was taking part in a joint training mission. Sgt Derek Gutierrez, from the 149th Fighter Wing, said the pilot is receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. Traffic has been blocked and motorists have been urged to avoid the area. A shelter-in-place order has also been issued for residents nearby. Key Events What is an F-16? The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine, supersonic, fourth-generation multi-role fighter jet developed by the US. It is used by more than 25 countries across the world including Turkey, Poland, Romania and Ukraine. No other injuries A spokesperson with the 149th Fighter Wing of the Texas National Guard said the pilot ejected and is in stable condition. Thankfully, Michigan State Police said no other injuries were reported. Evacuation ordered for those within a mile of crash site Grand Traverse County Emergency Management has ordered everyone within one mile of the crash site to evacuate. The evacuation order comes after the agency issued a shelter-in-place order for County Road 633, from Jefferson Place to Blair Townhall Road, urging residents in the affected area to stay indoors. ‘Very loud crash’ followed by explosions, witnesses say Wendy Sobeck said she and her husband were at their rural home, just minutes from the crash site, when they heard a "very loud crash" down the road. "We thought there was a car accident outside our house," she said. "We saw big billowing black smoke. We couldn't tell what it was, so my husband got into his pickup truck and saw what happened." She said they could see debris from the aircraft in the field, adding: "Explosions kept happening." Pilot receiving treatment at local hospital Sgt Derek Gutierrez, a public affairs specialist with the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing, told The Associated Press that the pilot is receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. He declined to release details about the pilot's identity or any injuries, citing military policy. Pilot is in stable condition, National Guard confirms The Texas Air National Guard has confirmed that the pilot ejected from the aircraft and is in a stable condition. The pilot is being treated at a local hospital, according to reports. Multiple agencies at F-16 crash site The FBI, Michigan State Police, Blair Fire Department, Grand Traverse County Emergency Management and the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office are at the scene of the crash, according to 9&10 News. Aircraft was F-16 fighter jet, National Guard confirms According to the National Guard, the aircraft was an F-16 from the Texas Air National Guard's 149th Fighter Wing and was taking part in a joint training mission. Pilot is conscious after parachuting from plane A pilot parachuted from the plane before it crashed and is conscious and alert, Blair Township Supervisor Nicole Blonshine said. Blonshine said she had been told the aircraft was an F-16 but that she did not have "100 per cent confirmation" at this stage. She added that she did not believe anyone on the ground was injured or that any homes were damaged. Eyewitnesses say 'pilot ejected from military aircraft' Several eyewitnesses cited by local news outlets said they saw a pilot eject from a military aircraft. The OSINTdefender account on X said that local reports indicate "the pilot is 'conscious and alert'". He added that locals saw a parachute in the sky moments before the crash. Shelter-in-place order issued Grand Traverse County Emergency Management has issued a shelter-in-place order following the plane crash. In a post on social media, it said: "SHELTER IN PLACE order in effect for County Rd 633 From Jefferson PL to Blair Townhall Rd due to plane crash. Shelter indoors, close windows/vents. Follow instructions from emergency personnel. More information to follow. This shelter in place applies to residents in the indicated area ONLY." Reports of plane crash in Michigan A plane has crashed in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, according to initial reports. We will bring you more information as soon as we have it.