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"The whole back yard was in flames and then things started to explode. I mean --- things just kept exploding and the black smoke just kept coming. I walked around the back and there were people there and they had the pilot. He fell onto someone’s patio. He was in shock and he apologized to the person who was trying to help him. He said 'I’m sorry I landed in your back yard.'"
Another witness was shocked to see the injured pilot on his porch.“I heard a couple of big bangs and they weren’t normal, so I got off the couch and went to the back door and I saw a pilot laying there, bleeding from the nose and his parachute hanging from the building. I knew exactly what happened a jet had crashed, I just didn’t know where until I saw the smoke. Then we had to get some neighbors to help carry the guy away from the building because we didn’t know if it was going to catch fire or not back in the parking lot. He said he had a pilot with him. We didn’t have time to go look for him. We didn’t know where he was.“

"He apologized sincerely for hitting our complex. I told him don’t worry about it. You take care of yourself and we’ll take care of you," the resident stated.
Navy officials say the F/A-18 D -- a two-seater jet belonging to Strike Fighter Squadron 106 crashed, but it's not clear what caused it to go down.
13News has been told the pilots are at the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Residents at the complex say an apartment was damaged by fire. They believe the owner is safe but that her pets may not have survived.
Va. Beach Fire and Rescue spokesman Battalion Chief TimRiley says five of the buildings at the complex have been heavily damaged and there are four apartments in each building. Three of the buildings have had structural collapse and crews are searching for anyone who might be trapped or injured.All lanes on I-264 West has just one lane open and the Laskin Road offramp from I-264 remains closed.
People are being asked to stay away from the area and detours are set up to try to get people off the Interstate.VFA-106 serves as the East Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron. It's mission is to train Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 Replacement Pilots and Weapon Systems Officers to support fleet commitments.

Adm. John C. Harvey, Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces, said, "We will conduct a complete investigation into the cause of this mishap and share all information we have as soon as we are able to do so."
Gov. Bob McDonnell (R-VA) said, "We are taking all possible steps at the state level to provide immediate resources and assistance to those impacted by the crash of an F-18 fighter jet in Virginia Beach. In the past half hour, I have spoken to Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms several times and informed him that all Commonwealth resources are available to him as the community responds to this breaking situation. We are monitoring events carefully as they unfold and State Police resources are now on the scene. Our fervent prayer is that no one was injured or killed in this accident.”
Mayor Will Sessoms says 65 police officers and 55 fire and EMS workers are on scene.

"We drill for this," said Pat Kavanaugh, a former Va. Beach EMS worker. "You always have EMS personnel trained for this."
Rep. Scott Rigell (R-2nd D.) said, "Our prayers are with our entire Hampton Roads and military communities right now as our first responders are admirably addressing the situation on the ground."
Rep. Bobby Scott (D-3rd D) added, "While information is still developing, my thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted. I will work closely with Congressman Rigell to assist in any way possible."
There are no reports of serious injuries to people at the apartment complex. The American Red Cross, in coordination with local emergency management, has disaster relief teams at the complex. Residents needing assistance as a result of the crash can contact the Red Cross at 757-536-9859.
Rep. Randy Forbes (R-4th D)added,"My thoughts and prayers go out to the Naval aviators, families and loved ones of all those affected by today’s crash at Oceana."