Navy jet crash: Virginia Beach mayor urges public to ‘stay away’

Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms urged the public Friday to stay away from the fiery crash scene where a U.S. Navy jet slammed into a residential area.

The two crew members aboard the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft ejected safely. And so far, local media is reporting only that five people have been taken to a local hospital with injuries.

But those facts are likely to change quickly as efforts to account for all resident gets underway.

PHOTOS: Navy jet crashes into apartments in Virginia Beach

“Stay away,” Sessoms pleaded during an interview with a local TV station. “Please stay away.”

People and motorists rushing into the area either to see the dramatic scene or to search for loved ones could unintentionally create congestion that impedes the work of law enforcement officials and emergency workers swarming the scene, he said.

The crash took place near Birdneck Road in Virginia Beach at about 12:30 p.m. EDT.
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