Military F-16 fighter jet crashes into building in California
A military F-16 fighter jet crashed into a commercial building at March Air Reserve Base in Moreno Valley, California, CBS Los Angeles reported. The pilot ejected and was taken to a hospital, base commander Col. Melissa Coburn said at a press conference Thursday night.
There were five reported injuries on the ground, the U.S. Air Force Reserve said in a statement.
Melissa Melendez, the assemblywoman for the district, tweeted that all warehouse workers have been accounted for.
An F-16 crashed into a commercial building on Opportunity Way on March ARB in Riverside this afternoon. Pilot alive, all warehouses workers accounted for. Waiting for update on fire. MM
— Melissa Melendez (@asmMelendez) May 16, 2019
According to CBS Los Angeles, the crash ignited a fire but was quickly extinguished by the building's sprinkler system.
The Air Force said the aircraft was assigned to the 144th Fighter Wing out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and was conducting a training mission.
The California Highway Patrol shut down southbound Interstate 215 at Opportunity and Meridian ways over apparent concerns about explosions.