A military F-18 plane has reportedly crashed in Death Valley National Park, according to sources from the military and the park. The fighter jet, according to the official Twitter account for the U.S. Naval Air Forces, was on a “routine training flight” through the park’s Star Wars Canyon when the crash occurred around 10:00 am. Search and rescue officials have been dispatched to the crash site, which was near a popular visitor destination. It is believed some park visitors have been injured.
A U.S. Navy Fighter Jet Crashed near a Tourist Overlook Death Valley National Park
A jet rips through Death Valley National Park, part of the military low-level flying training. NPS photo/Kessler
ABC News reports that the crash occurred near the Father Crowley Overlook, known as the Star Wars Canyon, where visitors can watch military planes performing low-altitude training maneuvers. The crash occurred just below the overlook’s parking lot.
According to various news sources, seven individuals on the ground have suffered minor injuries, and the overlook has been temporarily closed. The cause of the crash is under investigation, according to the U.S. Naval Air Forces.
