Health Officials Warn MI Residents To Stay Away From Fiery F-16 Crash Site

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, MI — Health officials warned residents to not touch any debris from a military plane crash in northern Michigan last Thursday.

"Do not touch any material from the crash," the Grand Traverse County Health Department said. "This includes dust, ash, debris or other materials from the crash. Taking these steps will also help you avoid accidentally ingesting dust or ash from the crash."

Officials said the crash has not impacted well water in the area and encouraged residents to use the water as they normally do.

The F-16 fighter jet crashed Thursday afternoon near County Road 633 and Blair Townhall Road in Blair Township, which is south of Traverse City in Grand Traverse County, police said.

The pilot safely ejected from the plane and parachuted to the ground. The pilot was taken to a nearby hospital and listed in stable condition, officials said.

Officials were still investigating the cause of the crash.

The crash caused a hazardous chemical spill, which triggered an emergency evacuation order for all businesses and properties within a one-mile radius of the crash.

Some first responders were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after battling the blaze, UpNorthLive reports.

The fighter jet was from the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing and participating in training exercises at a National Guard Base in Alpena.