F-16 Fighter Jet Crashes In Northern MI: Reports

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, MI — A military fighter jet crashed in northern Michigan on Thursday afternoon, according to reports.

The crash happened Thursday afternoon near County Road 633 and Blair Townhall Road in Blair Township, which is south of Traverse City in Grand Traverse County, officials said.

Video posted to social media by UpNorthLive showed a plume of black rising from a rural field where the plane crashed.

Officials ordered a shelter-in-place and encouraged residents in the area to close their windows and vents. Traffic was also shut down in the area.

Military officials told CBS Detroit the pilot ejected and parachuted to the ground. The pilot was awake and alert, and taken to a nearby hospital.

Blair Township Supervisor Nicole Blonshine told the news station that she doesn't believe there were any injuries on the ground or any damaged homes.

It was unclear what caused the crash.

Michigan Sen. Gary Peters wrote on X: "I’m aware of the plane crash near Traverse City. I am closely monitoring the situation as we work to get more information on the incident. Praying that the pilot and folks on the ground are safe."

This is a breaking news story and will be updated