Navy FA-18 jet crashes in Virginia Beach (Video)
This still image of today’s crash site was taken from helicopter video recorded by NBC affiliate WAVY-TV 10 in Portsmouth, Virginia.
A US Navy F/A-18 Superhornet fighter jet crashed in Virginia, according to media reports.
According to CNN, the two-seater jet went down near Virginia Beach in a residential area. A local affiliate cited witnesses who said two apartments appeared to be on fire.
The two pilots ejected after loads of fuel were dumped, according to the Associated Press. Seven people, including both pilots, were being treated for injuries at hospitals and were expected to survive, according to officials.
Capt. Mark Weisgerber said that a student and instructor were on board the jet before it crashed.
Rescuers were still searching the apartment complex for missing residents, said the AP. Around 40 apartment units were damaged in the crash.
One of the residents, Colby Smith, told a local news station, "The pilot said, `I'm sorry for destroying your house,'" according to the AP.
It remained unclear whether the fuel dump was intentional or caused by a malfunction, but it prevented the crash from becoming a major explosion.
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The Federal Aviation Administration said the jet was from Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, according to CNN.
Fox News reported that the crew of the two-pilot jet had reportedly been able to eject safely. Military, state and local police and emergency crews were responding, according to Fox.
At 12:30 pm, State Transportation traffic cameras showed black smoke in the Birdneck Road area of Virginia Beach, Fox said.
CNN produced this video with still images taken of the jet's wreck at the crash site:
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