F-16 CRASHES INTO BUILDING IN RIVERSIDE CALIFORNIA https://t.co/Zrb0j8Q1LV
— The Blazing Press (@theblazingpress) May 17, 2019
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – An F-16 fighter jet reportedly crashed into a warehouse just off March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County.
The crash was reported at about 3:30 p.m. Thursday. The pilot ejected from the plane and parachuted onto the base, according to officials. It’s unclear if the pilot suffered any injuries in the incident.
Base officials believe the pilot was the only person inside the plane at the time of the crash and say the plane may have experienced a “possible hydraulic failure.” It’s unknown if the warehouse the F-16 crashed into was occupied by anyone.
Multiple emergency and law enforcement agencies are on scene investigating the incident.
The immediate area is closed including northbound and southbound 215 freeway from Cactus Avenue to Harley Knox Boulevard, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
No further details were immediately known. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Update: #OpportunityIC requesting a full Hazmat response and response from the military fire dept at March ARB #Breaking
— Bern Notice🔥 (@BDP473) May 16, 2019
#RRU Responding to a reported F-16 down into a commercial building in Riverside at 2220 Opportunity Way. #Breaking
— Bern Notice🔥 (@BDP473) May 16, 2019
Witness we spoke with said the jet was making a very low maneuver, as if it was going to make a sharp turn, just before it went down. She says she saw pieces of the plane and dust rise up, but did not see fire. @CBSLA https://t.co/25p415sc2I
— Nicole Comstock (@ComstockNEWS) May 16, 2019
#BREAKING F-16 plane down at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside Countyhttps://t.co/1g2ub4bmvc
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) May 16, 2019
#BREAKING F16 down: 215 freeway closed in both directions near Cactus due this jet crash– pilot ejected per officials– F16 crashed into warehouse per March Air Reserve Base PIO @FOXLA
— Pete Wilgoren (@WILGOREN) May 16, 2019