Injuries and Building Damage Reported after Fighter Jet Crashed into Building
RIVERSIDE, CA (May 17, 2019) – Twelve people suffered injuries after a fighter jet crashed into a building in Riverside on Thursday, May 16.
According to officials, an F-16 military fighter jet returning to March Air Reserve Base in Moreno Valley after a routine training mission crashed into a warehouse. Reports said that the jet crashed into a building off the base, on Van Buren Boulevard near the 215 Freeway, at around 3:45 p.m.
The pilot reported hydraulics issues and said he was returning to base. Then he was forced to eject moments before the collision, according to the base’s deputy fire chief, Timothy Holliday.
The pilot’s parachute deployed after ejection. After that, he landed in a field inside the base. The pilot was still for a few moments but he was finally able to get up.
The crash caused a fire but it wasn’t very big, Holliday stated.
Three people who were on the ground sustained minor injuries and received treatments at the scene and were released, said Holliday. Paramedics brought a total of 12 people, including the pilot, to the hospital for treatment. No one sustained life-threatening injuries.
Authorities shut down the freeway in both directions after the incident, according to California Highway Patrol logs.
Images from the scene broadcasted by local news agencies displayed a hole in the roof of an industrial building where the jet apparently crashed. The images also captured the wreckage inside the building buried in twisted metal and debris. No smoke or fire was shown at the scene.
It is important to always be aware and alert when operating a vehicle or an aircraft. Always keep an eye out for possible hazards and stay on guard.
If you have suffered injuries or property damage in a building crash, reach out to Sweet Lawyers. With over 40 years in the field, we know what it takes to protect your legal rights. Call our offices today at (800) 674-7852 for a free consultation at a location nearest you. For your convenience, you can also reach us through email, online chat, and text message 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Day and night, we will fight to help you achieve the compensation you deserve.