Military aircraft crashes in New Mexico
Fire crews were seen at the scene after the aircraft crashed off of the airfield at the Albuquerque International Sunport
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A military pilot ejected to safety as their aircraft crashed off of the airfield at the Albuquerque International Sunport, the primary international airport in New Mexico.
Officials say the aircraft crashed off the airfield on the south side of the airport on Tuesday afternoon. The pilot – the only person on board – is reportedly conscious and breathing and has been taken to the hospital, local outlet KOB4 said.
The pilot managed to escape from the stricken aircraft before the accident took place, the outlet said. It had come from nearby Kirtland Air Force Base, officials confirmed.
“An aircraft has been involved in a crash southwest of the installation today. Emergency responders are in route to the accident site. Additional information will be released as it becomes available,” a spokesperson for the base told The Independent.
Two civilians were evaluated at the scene and neither person was transported, fire officials said. Flight operations at Sunport are understood to have resumed.
“However, the area of Rio Bravo and University will be closed and drivers should avoid area for next 24 hrs,” the airport wrote online.
Dramatic footage showed fire crews on the scene dousing the smoking wreckage of the plane with foam. Photos also showed multiple emergency vehicles lined up along nearby roads.
“A military aircraft has crashed off of the airfield on the southside of the Sunport. One soul aboard, pilot is conscious and being transported. Flight operations have resumed, but check with your airline for flight status,” the airport wrote on X.
Responding to the post, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, wrote: “Grateful for the rapid action of the first responders who arrived to the scene. Praying for the pilot.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments