The highway had been closed after the crash of an unmanned Air Force drone on Wednesday.
Col. Mark O‘Laughlin, 325th Fighter Wing vice commander, reiterated what officials have been saying since the crash, that the closing of the road was precautionary.
“This closure was done strictly as a precautionary measure due to a small self-destruct charge carried on board the target,” O‘Laughlin said. “We understand that the closure of Highway 98 was a huge inconvenience to our local community and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we put the safety of first responders and populace as the top priority.”
The drone was a converted Phantom jet, which was used extensively in the
Air Force officials had said the road will remain closed until they find a “device” that is designed to destroy the drone during flight if required. Tyndall officials did not say if the device was found or destroyed in the crash.
There had been two drone mishaps in a week’s time where on drone needed to be destroyed; on July 11 and another on takeoff on Wednesday.
Tyndall officials said the incidents were not related.
The investigation into the Wednesday crash continues.