A US Air Force F-35 Lightning II fighter jet has crashed near the Albuquerque airport in New Mexico on Tuesday afternoon.
The F-35B fighter jet crashed south of Albuquerque International Airport after a refueling stop at Kirtland Air Force Base. The plane was traveling from Fort Worth, Texas, to Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The pilot who ejected before impact is recovering at UNM Hospital.
The fighter jet crashed and burst into flames just before 2pm on Tuesday. The Albuquerque Fire Department and Bernalillo County firefighters are battling the blaze, but they need help from Kirtland Air Force Base.
„We carry 500 gallons of water on our apparatus and small foam tanks, but that's no match for a jet fuel fire of this magnitude,” said Lt. Jason Feger of the AFR.
Investigators are still investigating the cause of the crash.
Fire crews had the scene under control within a few hours, but the cleanup process will take longer. According to the AFR, the university between Rio Bravo and Mesa del Sol will be closed overnight and for most of Wednesday while crews clear the debris.