Nine people have died after a business jet crashed into a residential neighbourhood in South Florida, in the United States. Everyone on board was killed, and US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the incident as a “horrific tragedy” in a post on X on Sunday.
Duffy said Federal Aviation Administration staff were heading to the crash site to support a National Transportation Safety Board investigation. The plane was a Learjet 60, a popular business jet, travelling from Austin, Texas, to the Bahamas. Austin-Bergstrom International airport confirmed it was a private jet but did not say who was on board.
Cockpit recordings and video show final moments
Cockpit recordings made shortly before the crash, retained by LiveATC.net, captured the pilot discussing “manageable” ice issues. The pilot then said the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude, and the crew said, “We’re going to crash into the ground.”
Videos circulating online appear to show the jet hitting the ground at high speed and at a sharp angle, followed by a large explosion. Footage of the aftermath appears to show flames around debris and chunks of pavement, with people milling about.
Officials describe crash site near homes and cars
The plane came down just metres from homes and cars. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis told reporters there appeared to be no casualties on the ground.
Speaking at the scene, DeSantis called the crash “cataclysmic” and said the plane “looked like a missile going down, and left a big crater on the side of the road.”
