(Image source from: WTHR)

An F-16 fighter jet returning to March Air Reserve Base in Moreno Valley of California has crashed into a building after its pilot was ejected, the media quoted base officials as saying.

The jet slammed into the side of a commercial building off the base, on Van Buren Boulevard, about 3.45 p.m. on Thursday, March Air Reserve Base Deputy Fire Chief Timothy Holliday was quoted as saying.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department confirmed on Twitter that the crash occurred around Van Buren and the 215 Freeway, Xinhua news agency reported. The pilot was ejected and being medically evaluated.

An F-16 crashed into a commercial building on Opportunity Way on March ARB in Riverside this afternoon. Pilot alive, all warehouses workers accounted for. Waiting for update on fire. MM

— Melissa Melendez (@asmMelendez) May 16, 2019

"Multiple agencies responding. Please stay out of area and clear emergency vehicles," the department tweeted.

Details on the crash and the pilot's condition have not been disclosed. Authorities did not have details on any other injuries.

The sprawling installation, located in Riverside County, California, about 65 miles (105 km) east of Los Angeles, is home to the Air Force Reserve 452nd Air Mobility Wing. There are normally between 2,000 and 6,000 Air Force reservists and other personnel on base at any given time, Covington said.

A section of Interstate 215, a major north-south route running through the base, was closed in both directions after the crash, according to the California Highway Patrol.

North American Aerospace Defense Command operations are designed to protect the air space of both the U.S. and Canada and draws forces from both countries.

By Sowmya Sangam