A business jet crashed into a neighborhood in Florida on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of all nine individuals on board, according to US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The incident took place near Cresthaven, approximately nine miles from President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach County, at around 12:50 EST. While the crash created a large crater and scattered debris across a multi-lane road, officials confirmed that no one on the ground was injured.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that the Learjet 60 aircraft had departed from Austin, Texas, with a destination in the Bahamas. Flight analysis indicates the jet was plummeting at hundreds of feet per second prior to impact. Air traffic control audio captured moments before the crash reveals a crew member declaring an emergency and reporting an overspeed condition with a descent rate of 20,000 feet per minute. The final transmission from the cockpit, recorded about 35 seconds after the initial mayday call, stated, "we're out of time."
Unverified footage circulating on social media appears to show the aircraft nosediving almost vertically into a suburban street before exploding into a fireball. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the scene as jarring, comparing the impact to a missile strike with debris scattering everywhere. While the identities of those aboard remain unclear, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue has declared the event a mass casualty incident.
The crash occurred on Military Trail, a six-lane road lined with businesses and restaurants. In response to the explosion and damage to local infrastructure, including water lines, officials evacuated approximately 600 residents from a nearby trailer-park community. Authorities indicated that the road would remain closed for at least 30 days. The FAA is sending a team to assist the National Transportation Safety Board in its investigation. Secretary Duffy labeled the event a "horrific tragedy" and called for prayers for the families of the victims.
Weather conditions at the time included thunderstorms and heavy rain. President Trump was present at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday morning but had departed from a nearby airport aboard Air Force One roughly an hour before the crash occurred.
Sources: BBC News World.