‘Do Not Touch.’ Health Officials Issue Warning After Fiery F-16 Crash in Northern Michigan
BLAIR TOWNSHIP, MI - After an F-16 fighter jet was reduced to debris in a fiery crash south of Traverse City last week, area health officials have weighed in on questions surrounding well water and have given a warning about touching anything associated with the wreckage.
“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."
The jet was part of a Texas National Guard contingent running training missions from Alpena as part of Operation Northern Cactus. The pilot was able to eject safely from the aircraft moments before the plane crashed last Thursday afternoon.
Residents within a one-mile radius of the crash site were evacuated for six hours after the crash. Several residents and first responders were evaluated and treated at nearby Munson Healthcare in Traverse City after concerns surfaced about toxic fumes related to the crash and ensuing fire. Some had to be hospitalized overnight.
The main concern focused on exposure to hydrazine, a hazardous chemical found in fighter jets that can cause breathing issues for people who inhale it. Eye and skin irritation are also common reactions.
Hydrazine is used in F-16s as an emergency backup fuel to power the jet’s Emergency Power Unit (EPU)
The health department also addressed the issue of well water safety for people living near the crash site. Officials said anyone who was evacuated and then cleared to return home should be safe to use their well water as they normally would, based on the best information the department has at this time.
“These recommendations may change as more information is learned from environmental testing.”
Anyone with questions or concerns can call a special hotline set up by the health department: 231-995-6800.
The F-16 crash remains under investigation. No cause has been released.
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