A F-16 Fighter jet has crashed in an area of forest near Zemmer in western Germany. According to police large quantities of jet fuel had been spilt over the crash site.
People are being asked to keep away from the area so as not to hinder the rescue operation. The plane came down in an uninhabited area, according to German broadcaster SWR.
Police received emergency calls about the crash at around 3.15 pm local time, and have closed a wide area surrounding the crash site.
It’s not clear if there have been any casualties, or how many people were on board at the time of the crash, although local reports suggest the pilot was able to eject from the plane in time.
The Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, was conducting a routine training sortie when it crashed, according to the Air Force.
Police said the plane came down in the Zemmer area, between the city of Trier and the base. Emergency crews are responding to the incident at this time.
A board of officers will investigate the crash, and additional details will be provided as they become available.
Reuters / ABC Flash Point News 2019.
