A Finnish F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet crashed near the northern city of Rovaniemi on Wednesday morning, according to a statement from the Finnish Air Force on X.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:50 a.m. local time. The pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft, and authorities have confirmed his location.
Emergency responders, including several rescue units, were quickly dispatched to the crash site.
Journalists from the Yle broadcasting company, who were working nearby, reported seeing thick smoke near the airport around 11:00. “Ten minutes later, the smoke had somewhat dissipated,” they observed.
They also noted a strong smell of smoke lingering in the Arctic Circle area.
A defense ministers’ meeting that was scheduled to take place in Rovaniemi on May 7 was canceled in response to the crash. “According to a Yle reporter at the scene, the event was canceled due to the accident.”
