Pages

April 08, 2012

US Navy declares Virginia Beach F-18 crash 'Easter miracle'

US Navy Admiral John Harvey says the fact no one was seriously hurt when a fighter jet hit an apartment complex is a miracle.

Fire department officials said that all the residents of the complex have been accounted for. The crash injured seven people in all, including both crew members, and damaged six buildings. Everyone has now been discharged from hospital.

"We're so blessed and truly believe a miracle has occurred here with us not having any victims," Virginia Beach mayor Will Sessoms said at a brief news conference.

Standing next to him, US Navy Admiral John Harvey said he was impressed by the courage displayed by the residents.

"It was citizens that dragged our aircrew to safety, out of the fire zone. It was citizens who stepped up and helped move those hoses. It was citizens who evacuated the other inhabitants of the apartment complex and got that going and saved them from the fires that went through those buildings.

"It was a pretty amazing display in Virginia Beach of what citizenship really means and it came from an awful lot of people who didn't have an awful lot," he said.

The US Navy F/A-18 jet fighter crashed shortly after take-off on a training mission. Both crew members ejected and one was found still strapped into his ejection seat.

Officials said that many of the 60 or so residents are now seeking somewhere to live after spending last night in a Red Cross shelter.

Admiral Harvey said the US Navy will meet with the residents to help them find long term housing and discuss their options.

No comments:

Post a Comment