Tragedy in Florida: Nine Killed in Learjet Crash
A Learjet 60 crashed in a Florida neighbourhood on Sunday, killing all nine people on board, as authorities launch an investigation into the cause.
A business jet crash in a residential neighbourhood in Florida has claimed the lives of all nine people on board, according to US Transport Secretary Sean Duffy.
The Learjet 60 went down near Cresthaven in Palm Beach County, around nine miles from Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, at approximately 12:50 EST (17:50 GMT) on Sunday. The aircraft had taken off from Austin, Texas, and was heading to the Bahamas, the FAA confirmed.
The scene was devastating. Images show a huge crater in the middle of a residential road, surrounded by flames, broken concrete and scattered aircraft debris.
Duffy called the incident a "horrific tragedy" and said the FAA was sending a team to assist the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) with the investigation. He also asked the public to keep the victims' families and loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.
The crash happened on Military Trail, a busy six-lane road lined with local businesses and restaurants. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office urged motorists to stay away and use alternative routes, while Palm Beach County Fire Rescue declared a mass casualty incident.
For now, many questions remain unanswered. Authorities have yet to identify those on board or confirm whether anyone on the ground was injured or killed. The cause of the crash is also still unknown.
As investigators begin their work, one thing is certain: this is a heartbreaking tragedy for the families of the nine people who lost their lives.