An F-16 fighter jet burst into flames after it crashed in rural Michigan Thursday afternoon, forcing residents to evacuate.
A jet flying with the 149th Fighter Wing from Lackland, Texas, went down in Grand Traverse County after a “mishap,” the unit confirmed.
The pilot ejected and is now being treated at a nearby hospital. They are awake and alert after parachuting to the ground, Blair Township Supervisor Nicole Blonshine told CBS Detroit.
She told the outlet she did not believe anyone on the ground was hurt or any homes were damaged.
Responders rushed to the scene after reports of the crash.
A plume of smoke was filmed rising from near a highway intersection following the crash.
County authorities issued an evacuation order for all residents within one mile of the crash site.
“Evacuate within 1 mile of the site. Evacuate away from the intersection of Co Rd 633 and Jefferson Pl. Follow instructions from emergency personnel,” Grand Traverse County Emergency Management posted on social media.
“We are currently investigating the mishap,” a spokesperson for the 149th Fighter Wing told The Post.
