Marine Corps Jet Crash Near Rimock Lake Triggers Forest Fire, Evacuations in Yakima County
According to sources, a Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet experienced issues on a training flight, and the pilot had to punch out, or eject, with his place crashing in the forest.
The Crash Was Near Rimrock Lake
According to the Marine Corps TImes online, an official statement said the pilot was conducting a routine training exercise, when a significant issue forced him to bail out. The crash happened about 55 miles SE of Seattle, on the southside of Rimrock Lake.
Around 12:15 PM Saturday the Yakima County Sheriff's Office began to get calls about a jet crash, and then a fire that began to spread through the forest.
Naches Fire and Other Units Responded
The Naches Fire Department reported the US Forest Service and aerial units began to douse the area, knocking down the flames.
The Marine Corps statement says, along with the Yakima County Sheriff's Office, the pilot did sustain some injuries, but a Deputy was able to make contact with him. He was located and taken to an area hospital, but any updates on his condition are not known.
Campgrounds in the vicinity of Rimrock Lake were evacuated, and the Naches Fire Departments says at least early this week, they will remain closed until the fire is completely out. This image is from the Naches Fire Department of the iniital smoke seen near the crash site.
The F/A-18, according to the Marine Corps, was part of Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based out of Marine Corps Station MIRAMAR, out of San Diego.
The Marine Corps said, via a spokesperson, they are looking into the cause of the "mishap." no other details yet released.
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Gallery Credit: Andrew Lisa
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