On Tuesday afternoon, a military aircraft crashed and caught fire near Albuquerque International Sunport and Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. The incident occurred on the south side of the airport, prompting a swift response from local fire departments.
A military fighter jet F-35 has crashed near the international airport in Albuquerque, New Mexico.#NewMexico #USA #Albuquerque #crash pic.twitter.com/NYwk26gjso
— The UnderLine (@TheUnderLineIN) May 29, 2024
According to Albuquerque Fire Rescue Public Information Officer Lt. Jason Fejer, first responders received reports of a possible aircraft down around 2 pm local time. Upon arriving at the scene, they began searching for the pilot and initiating fire suppression efforts.
The sole occupant of the aircraft, the pilot, managed to eject before the crash. He was found conscious but with serious injuries and was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Two civilians who were at the scene were assessed by medical personnel but did not require hospitalization.
🚨#Breaking: A military F-35 fighter jet has crashed at Albuquerque International Airport, causing a huge explosion.
Emergency crews are on the scene. The pilot ejected and is being treated for injuries. The cause is still unknown.
📌#Albuquerque | #NewMexico pic.twitter.com/W33O4OAQQO
— World News Global (@WorldNewsGb) May 29, 2024
While the specific type of aircraft has not been officially confirmed, video footage of the crash site suggests it may have been a military fighter jet. Kirtland Air Force Base, which houses the 377th Air Base Wing and the Air Force Research Laboratory, has taken the lead in investigating the incident.
🚨#BREAKING: A military F-35 fighter aircraft has crashed at Albuquerque International Airport, causing a huge explosion.
📌#Albuquerque | #NewMexico
Currently, numerous emergency crews are on the scene after a military F-35 fighter jet crashed at or near Albuquerque… pic.twitter.com/pkPgB0qjES
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) May 28, 2024
Mayor Tim Keller praised the quick action of first responders and expressed his prayers for the injured pilot. The crash underscores the inherent dangers military personnel face in the line of duty and the bravery they exhibit in service to our country.
