A major aviation accident occurred in Florida, USA, on Sunday when a business jet carrying nine people and heading towards the Bahamas crashed near a busy road. The aircraft burst into flames upon hitting the ground, killing all nine people on board. Motorists passing through the area captured the horrifying incident on their cameras.
According to the Associated Press (AP), the Learjet 60 crashed in the Greenacres area of Palm Beach County. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the deaths of all nine occupants. Fortunately, the aircraft did not collide with nearby houses or vehicles travelling along the road.
Pilot Issued Emergency Mayday Call After Reporting Bad Weather
According to air traffic control recordings, the pilot had reported poor weather conditions, severe turbulence and ice accumulation on the aircraft before the crash. He subsequently requested permission to increase altitude.
As the situation deteriorated, the pilot issued an emergency “Mayday, Mayday” call.
The pilot informed air traffic control that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude. He also reported that the plane’s speed had become uncontrollable and that it was approaching the ground. Shortly afterwards, the aircraft crashed.
Around 600 People Evacuated to Safety
Following the crash, flames and thick clouds of black smoke engulfed the accident site. A large crater was also formed beside the road.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said there were no immediate reports of casualties among people on the ground.
As a precautionary measure, approximately 600 residents of a nearby mobile home community were safely evacuated. The road near the crash site was also closed following the accident.
The aircraft had departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was heading towards the Bahamas.
The exact cause of the crash and the identities of the victims have not yet been officially established.
