U.S. 98 is currently closed after an unmanned QF-4 drone crashed and exploded near a highway in Florida.
The drone, part of the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, crashed on the runway during takeoff according to the Associated Press.
Witnesses said they say "black smoke" make its way up into the air shortly after the crash.
"This closure is being done strictly as a precautionary measure due to fires resulting from the crash and a small self-destruct charge carried on board the drone," said a news release put out by the Tyndall Air Force Base. The status of this device is unknown, however it is powered by a short-life battery which will be fully depleted in 24 hours."
This is the second drone crash at Tyndall in under a month.
Florida police have closed the highway and expect it to be closed for at least another 24 hours or so.
The drone has a self-destruct charge that is used to destroy the aircraft if it goes off its "pre-approved" flight destination according to the Associated Press.
The self-destruct charge was not activated however, so crews are waiting another day to start clearing the wreckage.
The road is closed in Panama City all the way through Mexico Beach, F.L. according to the Associated Press.
After another 24 hours, the battery will reportedly die out and police will then reopen highway 98.
Officials said they had to destroy the other drone due to "safety considerations."
"The drone was carrying a small self-destruct charge and had to be destroyed for safety considerations during its return to base following a routine operation," said the Tyndall Air Force Base.
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