Nine people have died after a private jet crashed into a residential neighbourhood in Florida, United States.
The aircraft plunged into a street near Cresthaven in Palm Beach County on Sunday. It exploded on impact, leaving a large crater and scattered debris.
The crash happened about nine miles from Mar-a-Lago, US President Donald Trump’s resort.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that everyone aboard the aircraft died. However, authorities reported no casualties among people on the ground.
Learjet 60 Was Heading to the Bahamas
The aircraft was identified as a Learjet 60 business jet. It departed Austin, Texas, and was heading to the Bahamas.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash occurred at about 12:50pm local time on Sunday.
Images from the scene showed burning debris scattered across a multi-lane road. The impact also left a large crater in the residential area.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the crash as devastating. He said the aircraft appeared to plunge towards the ground before exploding.
“When you see that video, it’s a jarring thing,” DeSantis said.
“It’s like a missile coming down, and a massive explosion, debris going everywhere,” he added.
Pilot Reported Ice and Turbulence Before Crash
Air traffic control recordings have provided details of the aircraft’s final moments.
A crew member initially reported moderate turbulence. The cockpit also reported that the crew was managing ice accumulation. The pilot later said the aircraft was picking up precipitation. She also requested permission to climb.
However, the situation deteriorated rapidly. The crew reported a steep descent and declared an emergency. One of the cockpit transmissions indicated that the aircraft was descending at 10,000 feet per minute.
The pilot later reported an overspeed condition. The descent reportedly reached 20,000 feet per minute.
“We are going to crash into the ground,” a crew member said during the emergency transmission.
The final cockpit communication included the words: “We’re out of time.”
Flight analysis also indicated that the aircraft lost altitude at an extremely high speed. Investigators have not yet established what caused the sudden descent.
Residents Evacuated After Fiery Crash
The aircraft crashed in a populated neighbourhood in Palm Beach County. The impact scattered debris across the surrounding area.
Emergency responders declared a mass casualty incident. Authorities also evacuated about 600 residents from a nearby mobile-home community.
Officials said there were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries among people on the ground.
The crash also prompted road closures around the affected area. Authorities advised motorists to avoid the location.
FAA and NTSB Begin Investigation
The FAA confirmed that it was sending a team to support the investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading efforts to establish the cause of the crash.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the incident as a horrific tragedy.
He also asked the public to remember the victims and their families.
“Please join me in praying for the families and loved ones of those we lost,” Duffy said.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the nine victims. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, flight data and cockpit recordings.
The cause of the crash remains unknown.
