Nine people were killed on Sunday when a private business jet crashed into a residential neighbourhood in Palm Beach County, Florida, approximately six miles (10 kilometres) from US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
The Learjet 60 plunged into the Greenacres area near Cresthaven at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time, erupting into a fireball near homes and a busy roadway.
The crash occurred near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North, less than seven miles from Mar-a-Lago, according to reports by AFP and local media. RTHK+1
The aircraft had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was travelling to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas when it went down, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine people aboard the aircraft had died, describing the accident as a horrific tragedy.
Emergency responders rushed to the residential area as flames and thick smoke rose from the wreckage. The impact left a large crater near the roadway and scattered debris across the surrounding neighbourhood.
Authorities evacuated approximately 600 residents from a nearby mobile home community as emergency crews secured the scene. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said there were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries among people on the ground. apnews.com+1
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office closed Military Trail in both directions between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North, warning motorists to avoid the area.
The crash occurred during stormy weather in South Florida. The pilot had reported turbulence and icing conditions before the aircraft entered a rapid descent, according to initial reports.
However, investigators have not determined whether weather conditions contributed to the accident.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation, with assistance from the FAA.
Authorities have not established the cause of the crash or released the identities of those killed.
