All nine aboard killed in fiery Florida crash; West Palm Beach County road shut for 30 days
Jet crashes on Military Trail
The Learjet 60 went down in a neighbourhood on Sunday, the US transport secretary said. Images from the scene showed a crater in a residential road, with fire patches and aircraft debris scattered nearby.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said the crash occurred on Military Trail, a six-lane road lined with businesses and eateries. The impact damaged local infrastructure, including water lines, and officials said the road would remain closed for at least 30 days.
Reports describe rapid descent
US media reports and flight analysis indicated that the jet was descending at hundreds of feet per second before impact. CBS reported that the pilot declared an emergency, saying, “We are in an overspeed condition descending 20,000 feet per minute.” Unverified footage shared on social media appeared to show a dash-camera view of the crash. In the recording, vehicles travel along a suburban street before an aircraft dives almost vertically and erupts in flames.
Officials address casualties
The identities of the people on board had not been confirmed. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said there were no reports at that time of anyone on the ground being killed or injured.
Key points
- All nine people aboard the Learjet 60 were killed, the US transport secretary said.
- The plane crashed on Military Trail in West Palm Beach County, Florida.
- Officials said the crash damaged water lines and the road would be closed for at least 30 days.
- Authorities had no reports of anyone on the ground being killed or injured.