GREENACRES, Fla. (WPEC) — A Learjet 60 crashed in a residential area on Sunday afternoon, resulting in a significant explosion and emergency response.
Authorities reported the incident occurred near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North. The aircraft was carrying nine individuals, though details regarding injuries or fatalities have not yet been confirmed.
According to FlightRadar24, the flight originated from Austin, Texas, and was en route to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Witnesses noted the aircraft's descent appeared rapid, dropping approximately 41,000 feet to ground level within a minute. Aviation expert DeWitt Ingram indicated that weather conditions, specifically thunderstorms, may have contributed to this rapid decline.
Ingram explained that such weather could expose the aircraft to severe turbulence, potentially leading to a loss of control. He stressed, however, that it remains unconfirmed whether the plane encountered such conditions or sustained weather-related damage.
The absence of recognizable wreckage raised questions about the impact's severity. Ingram posited that a high-speed collision could lead to fragmentation, explaining why large sections of the aircraft were not visibly identifiable. He noted that heavier components, such as engines, may still be present at the site.
Emergency crews have closed Road S. Military Trail and Diamond Road in both directions as they continue their response. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities yet to determine the exact cause of the crash.