DHAKA: A US military jet has crashed into homes in the California desert, about 90 miles (144km) east of San Diego.

Television reports show at least one home on fire on a residential street in the city of Imperial, following the crash on Wednesday evening.

The sole pilot ejected safely, and has been transported to a local hospital.

Cpl Melissa Lee of the US Marine Corps told the BBC the AV-8B Harrier jet stationed in Yuma, Arizona, had crashed, hitting "civilian homes".

She said the search and rescue operation was continuing and there were no details yet about whether anyone on the ground was hurt.

A Marine Corps statement said an investigation had been launched.

Local resident Cathie Blackburn told NBC 7 San Diego that she heard a "loud boom" when the aircraft crashed and at first thought it might have been an earthquake.

Source: BBC

BDST: 0845 HRS, JUN 05, 2014