Nine die in Palm Beach jet crash
A Learjet 60 departed Austin, Texas, for the Bahamas before crashing in a residential area near Cresthaven, Florida.
By Daphne Turner ·
Nine people died when a private jet crashed into a residential neighborhood near Cresthaven, Florida, at approximately 12:50 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The aircraft, identified as a Learjet 60, struck the ground in Palm Beach County. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine individuals aboard the plane perished in the incident. He described the event as a horrible tragedy and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
The jet originated at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas. Its intended destination was the North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas. The Learjet 60 is a mid-size business jet manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace. The aircraft measures 58 feet in length. It has a maximum capacity for two crew members and eight passengers. The plane has a maximum range of slightly more than 2,400 nautical miles.
Authorities reported that the aircraft narrowly avoided hitting several homes before impacting the ground near a roadway. The crash site is located along Military Trail, between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North. The Associated Press noted that the plane landed close to a road in the Cresthaven area. It remains unclear whether the collision caused damage to nearby houses. The area is described as highly populated, with shops, workshops, houses, and schools in close proximity to the site.
Military Trail remained closed to traffic in both directions between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North following the crash. Local authorities advised drivers to use alternate routes to avoid the area. A large police presence was established at the scene, with multiple security agencies and rescue units arriving shortly after the incident. Reporters on the ground noted that the area was heavily secured while emergency personnel worked the site.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are conducting a joint investigation into the cause of the crash. The FAA sent a team to the scene to support the NTSB's efforts. Secretary Duffy stated that his department and the FAA are closely monitoring the situation. Officials said they would share updates as more information becomes available. A press conference was expected to be held shortly after the initial response began to clarify details of the event.
