Nine people lost their lives when a small business jet crashed and exploded in Florida.
The Learjet 60 went down around 12:50 PM on Sunday in Palm Beach County, near Cresthaven and Military Trail.
All nine individuals aboard the jet are confirmed dead, according to US authorities. There are no immediate reports of other injuries or fatalities.
The aircraft was traveling from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas.
Jet crashes into residential area and explodes
Witnesses and nearby drivers captured footage of the plane descending rapidly and crashing next to a residential road before it exploded.
This created a large crater and scattered debris, producing thick black smoke and flames.
“This is a tremendous tragedy. The plane appears to fall like a missile, creating a large crater,” said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Firefighters, emergency crews, and police responded to the scene.
About 600 residents were evacuated
The crash disrupted the nearby mobile home area, leading to the evacuation of around 600 residents.
Palm Beach County authorities have established temporary housing for those affected.
Multiple roads, including parts of Military Trail, have been closed.
Residents are advised to avoid the area.
Pilot reported turbulence and icing
Air traffic control recordings indicate that the pilots faced icing, moderate turbulence, and precipitation just before the crash.
They requested to ascend to a higher altitude.
However, moments later, the jet began to descend rapidly. The pilot declared an emergency and issued a mayday call.
Flight tracking data shows the plane was descending at an alarming rate. Just before the data cut off, it was descending at tens of thousands of feet per minute.
The cause of the crash remains unclear.
Federal authorities investigate
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have initiated an investigation into the incident.
Investigators will examine flight data, radio communications, weather conditions, maintenance records, and wreckage.
The identities of the nine individuals on board have not yet been released.
The investigation will determine whether bad weather, technical issues, or other factors contributed to the rapid descent.
Tragedy strikes aviation community
The crash has left families mourning the nine victims and shocked residents in Florida.
Hundreds were evacuated, significant damage occurred, and footage of the jet’s final moments has drawn attention to the incident.
Authorities are urging the public to steer clear of the area while investigators work to uncover the cause of one of the deadliest plane crashes in the US this year.