Nine people have died after a Learjet 60 aircraft crashed into a residential area in Palm Beach County, Florida, on Sunday, according to United States aviation authorities.
The aircraft went down near Cresthaven at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time, killing everyone on board. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the jet was carrying nine people.
The plane had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was travelling to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas when the crash occurred.
United States Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the fatalities in a social media statement, describing the incident as a “horrific tragedy.”
Images from the crash scene showed flames rising from the area where the aircraft came down. The extent of damage to nearby residential properties was not immediately established.
Authorities have not released the identities of those killed or provided details about the circumstances leading to the crash.
The FAA said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) had opened an investigation into the incident. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft’s flight history, operating conditions and other evidence to establish what caused the crash.
The Learjet 60 is a twin-engine business jet commonly used for private and corporate travel. The aircraft’s destination, North Eleuthera, is a popular entry point for visitors travelling to the Bahamas.
Officials had not announced any casualties on the ground in the initial reports. Further information is expected as federal investigators continue their examination of the crash.
