BREAKING: Homes evacuated miles from Washington, DC after F-16 jet crashes and pilot ejects near Joint Andrews Air Force base during ‘routine training mission’
The plane was reported as having crashed around 9:15am in Maryland
It flew from Joint Andrews Air Force Base, which is used by Air Force One
It was part of the 113th Wing, which maintains ‘safe zone’ around Capitol
One man said the pilot claimed he had live ammo on board when he crashed
But the local fire department said the plane had no ammunition at all
Locals have been warned to stay away from wreckage, including chemicals
At-risk homes in the area have been evacuated; no deaths or injuries reported
The pilot, on a training mission, parachuted out and is in ‘good condition’
New F-16s cost around $60m; some in the US inventory are 20-30-years old
By JAMES WILKINSON
DAILYMAIL.COM
5 April 2017
Homes have been evacuated near Joint Base Andrews in Maryland after an F-16 on a training mission crashed causing a loud explosion and fire at around 9:15am Wednesday.
The plane, which was flying with others on the mission, had one pilot who ejected and parachuted down (pictured left after ejecting). He was picked up by a military helicopter and is said to be in ‘good condition’.
The crash occurred six miles from the base, and just 200 yards from a residential area.
The plane was part of the DC Guard 113th Wing, NBC Washington reported – that’s the same wing used to routinely patrol the skies around Washington.
Prince George’s County Fire Department said that there was no live ammunition on the plane when it crashed.
Locals said they heard rounds going off, something that officials attributed to gases within the plane igniting.
But Patrick Dotson, a former soldier who ran over to the pilot as he parachuted down, told Fox News that he heard ’rounds’ of ammunition exploding.
He also said that the pilot confirmed to him that the plane had live ammo on board before he was taken away. The pilot was only concerned about the safety of civilians after the crash, he said.
An ordinance disposal vehicle was also spotted heading to the crash site by reporters.
And the Prince George’s County Fire Department (PGCFD) warned locals not to touch any wreckage they might find.
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