Fighter jet crashes in Washington state, sparking wildfire
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet crashed into a mountain near Rimrock Lake in Yakima County, Washington, around noon on Saturday, sparking a wildfire.
- The pilot ejected safely with minor injuries and was hospitalized, according to the Yakima County Sheriff's Office.
- The crash led to the evacuation of campers in the area as firefighters, including crews from the Naches Fire Department and U.S. Forest Service, worked to contain the fire.
- The jet was part of Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based in San Diego, and the incident occurred during routine training about 55 miles southeast of Seattle.
- Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, while the size of the resulting wildfire remains unknown.