Texas National Guard F-16 crashes in Michigan during training exercise, pilot in stable condition

An F-16 military jet from the 149th Fighter Wing of the Texas National Guard crashed in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, Michigan State Police announced in a statement shared to X/Twitter on Thursday.

"MSP personnel are assisting the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office with its response to a plane crash involving a military jet near County Road 633 and Blair Townhall Rd," it said. "The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs confirms the incident involves an F-16 from Texas."

MSP added that the pilot, who was successfully able to eject from the jet, is in stable condition and is being treated at a local hospital. No other injuries have been reported.

The crash occured during a routine training exercise, CBS reported, citing a spokesperson of the Texas Military Department. CBS added that the reason for the crash is under investigation.

According to information heard on a mayday call shared on social media, the jet reportedly struck a bird.

Evacuation order issued for nearby residents

An evacuation order within one mile of the site was issued by the Grand Traverse County Emergency Management, and a shelter has been established at the nearby Kensington Church.

"If you have evacuated and need a place to go, Kensington Church and the American Red Cross are there to assist residents," the emeregency management said in a social media post.

CBS cited Blair Township Supervisor Nicole Blonshine as saying that she does not believe "anyone on the ground was hurt or that any homes were damaged."