A Learjet flying from Texas to the Bahamas came down near homes shortly before 1pm local time on Sunday, and officials have not yet confirmed whether anyone survived
A business jet carrying nine people crashed into a residential neighbourhood in Palm Beach County, Florida, on Sunday, officials have said. The Learjet came down at around 12.50pm local time near Cresthaven, in the Greenacres area, and burst into a large fireball. It had taken off from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was bound for North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas. The Associated Press reported that authorities had not yet confirmed whether anyone on board survived.
Emergency response
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue is reported to have treated the crash as a mass-casualty incident, and local outlet BocaNewsNow said hospitals in the area were on alert by about 1.10pm, roughly 20 minutes after the crash. That alert is a preparedness step and does not in itself say how many people died or were hurt. Later reports, including the New York Post, cited emergency services as confirming multiple deaths, but there is no verified breakdown of casualties on the aircraft and on the ground.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office closed Military Trail in both directions between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North, Patch reported, and said emergency crews were expected to be there for an extended period. The Times placed the crash site in Greenacres, about four miles from Palm Beach International Airport.
What witnesses saw
Video obtained by the AP shows the jet falling nose-first before a large explosion. One witness compared the sound to a missile, the New York Post reported, describing a deafening impact followed by fire and heavy smoke. Reports and images show widespread debris and a crater, with flames near a utility pole. The New York Post said the plane struck a tree and brought down power lines before impact, and that at least one mobile home was badly damaged. These details are preliminary.
The jet entered a steep descent shortly before impact, with a last recorded speed of about 370mph. Flight-tracking data indicate the signal ended at around 12.49pm.
The investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation, supported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Investigators will examine the scene, the aircraft’s records and any available flight data. The FAA generally publishes a preliminary accident report the next business day, and the NTSB provides later updates. No cause has been announced, and reports of a rapid descent or contact with power lines do not point to any mechanical fault or action by the crew.
