Nine killed as private jet crashes in Florida near Mar-a-Lago
A Learjet 60 travelling from Texas to the Bahamas exploded after a steep descent in Palm Beach County.
A private Learjet 60 crashed in a residential area of Palm Beach County, Florida, on Sunday, killing all nine people on board, according to reports by Mint, India Today and Business Today.
The aircraft, which had departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was headed to the Bahamas, went down near the Cresthaven neighbourhood at approximately 12:50 p.m.
Air traffic control audio captured the pilot reporting worsening weather, turbulence, and ice before the aircraft began a rapid descent. The pilot issued mayday calls as the plane's rate of descent increased, stating the crew was running out of time before communication ceased.
Videos from bystanders and dashcams showed the jet striking the ground near the intersection of Military Trail and 10th Avenue North in a near-vertical dive, resulting in a large fireball and a crater.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the impact as looking like a missile, though he noted there were no immediate reports of injuries to people on the ground.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the incident a horrific tragedy. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash.