The pilot steered it's already burning plane away from the village, before ejecting. He is in hospital, according to witnesses he hurt it's back and one of his arms. According to some of the villagers who spoke to the press he probably saved the lives of many by staying in his plane until he passed Laufeld.
The pilot, Lt. Col. Scott Hurrelbrink from the 81st Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, ejected from the aircraft and sustained minor injuries. He was transported from the scene and is in good condition at Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Bruder, a hospital in Trier, Germany.