A British Air Force jet crashed near homes on the island of Anglesey in Wales on Wednesday after 2 pilots ejected from the aircraft shortly after takeoff.
The aircraft was an RAF Hawk T2 training jet flying from RAF Valley when it went down in a field near the A4080, northeast of Aberffraw Football Club. Both pilots parachuted to the ground and were taken for medical treatment.
North Wales Police said the pilots suffered minor injuries. Emergency services, including the fire service, police and ambulance crews, responded to the crash.
Video shared online showed the aircraft climbing before appearing to lose control. The pilots then ejected as the jet descended toward the ground and crashed, sending flames and thick black smoke into the air.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was brought under control and asked the public to avoid the area while emergency crews continued working at the scene.
The Royal Air Force initially said an incident involving an RAF T2 Hawk aircraft flying out of RAF Valley had occurred near Anglesey.
“An investigation is underway and we will not comment further at this time,” the RAF said in its initial statement.
The RAF later confirmed that both pilots were receiving medical treatment and that their families were being supported.
“The RAF has decided to temporarily pause Hawk T1 and T2 operations, as a precautionary measure, whilst investigations are ongoing,” the Air Force said.
The Hawk T2 is a two-seat training aircraft used by the RAF for advanced pilot training.