Florida’s Homestead Air Reserve Base had to be evacuated following a mishap involving explosive ordnance. Civilians living near the base were also told to stay home as the surrounding area was closed to traffic.
Homestead ARB houses the 93rd Fighter Squadron of the Air Force Reserve Command’s 482d Fighter Wing, operating on F-16 fighters.
According to a Miami Herald military source, the incident involved a 500-pound (230 kilograms) MK-82 bomb, which reportedly fell off an F-16 while on the ground and rolled towards more ordnance.
The United States Air Force confirmed that an evacuation took place. However, it said it was due to a “transportation mishap” of an “explosive ordnance” with no reference to any aircraft.
“Base emergency personnel coordinated with local law enforcement to clear the areas surrounding the base,” the 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office said in a press release. The 482nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal neutralized the bomb with a controlled detonation.
No injuries were reported. An investigation into the incident was opened.