A business jet carrying nine people crashed in West Palm Beach County on Sunday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of all aboard, according to US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The Learjet 60 descended rapidly and struck the ground in a residential area near Cresthaven, approximately nine miles from Mar-a-Lago. Authorities reported that no individuals on the ground sustained injuries, though the impact caused significant damage to local infrastructure and prompted the evacuation of approximately 600 nearby residents.
The aircraft had originated from Austin, Texas, and was bound for the Bahamas when the incident occurred. Flight data indicated the jet was descending at extreme rates in its final moments. Radio communications captured in the moments before impact documented the crew reporting encounters with moderate turbulence and icing conditions, followed by statements indicating the aircraft was descending at dangerous rates of speed. The final communication from the cockpit contained the message that time had run out.
Video footage appearing on social media depicted the aircraft nosediving nearly vertically into a populated street before impact and ignition. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis characterized the event as resembling a missile strike, with debris dispersed across a wide area. The crash site was located on Military Trail, a six-lane road containing commercial establishments and dining venues.
Weather conditions in the region included active thunderstorms and heavy rainfall at the time of the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board initiated an investigation with assistance from an FAA team deployed to the scene. Authorities declared the incident a mass casualty situation, and officials indicated that infrastructure damage would necessitate closure of the road for at least 30 days.
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