The United States Navy will begin issuing compensation checks reportedly on Monday to victims of last week’s burning crash of a fighter jet into apartment buildings in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Rear Administrator Tim Alexander, commander of the Navy’s Mid-Atlantic region said, “We are committed to doing the right thing to address the needs of these families, who through no fault of their own have endured an incredible hardship. We owe it to everyone affected by Friday’s accident to help them get their life back together.”
During takeoff on Friday, the F/A-18 fighter jet experienced a “catastrophic mechanical malfunction,” raining jet fuel over Virginia Beach before diving to the ground, damaging five apartment buildings, according to Navy officials and residents. There were no fatalities, but two pilots, a Virginia Beach police officer, an EMS volunteer, and three other people were treated for injuries at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. The payments will start at $2,300 per person to cover immediate needs, such as housing, meals, and clothing. The amount will increase for additional family members. Alexander also said counseling and legal services will be available. Residents in the apartments who completed the claims on Saturday could receive payments on Monday.
