Many Feared Dead As Private Jet Crashes Into Residential Neighbourhood In Florida
Nine people have reportedly died after a private jet crashed into a residential neighbourhood in Palm Beach County, Florida, United States.
The Learjet 60 crashed at about 12:50 p.m. local time on Sunday, November 1, near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine people aboard the aircraft were killed in the incident.
The aircraft had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was en route to the Bahamas when it crashed.
Videos circulating online showed the jet plunging from the sky before bursting into flames near a busy roadway. The impact reportedly left a large crater on the pavement, while thick smoke billowed into the air.
The crash happened close to residential buildings and moving vehicles, raising concerns about possible casualties on the ground. However, authorities had yet to confirm whether anyone outside the aircraft was injured.
Following the incident, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office shut down roads around the crash site and advised motorists to avoid the area.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it would deploy a team to assist the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which will lead investigations into the cause of the crash.
The identities of the nine victims had not been made public as of Sunday evening.
