Firefighters respond to reported F-16 crash in California

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - Firefighters in San Bernardino County responded Wednesday to reports of a F-16 fighter aircraft crash in China Lake, California.

The San Bernardino County Fire Department said it is assisting China Lake emergency resources with fire suppression from a downed aircraft in the dry lake bed near Trona.

The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was treated at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries and transported to an area hospital, according to the fire department.

"There is no threat to surrounding vegetation from the fire," it said on US social media company X, asking the public to avoid the area while noting "there is no threat to the community."

Also releasing a statement, the air demonstration squadron of the US Air Force, the Thunderbirds, said a pilot had safely ejected from an F-16C at approximately 10.45 a.m. (1845GMT).

The incident occurred during a training mission in controlled airspace, according to the agency.

“The pilot is in stable condition and receiving follow-on care,” it said.

Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and China Lake Emergency Management assumed command of the scene.