GREENACRES, Fla. (TNND) — A Learjet 60 crash on Saturday afternoon killed nine people, according to authorities.
The aircraft departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was en route to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas. At approximately 12:47 p.m., the crew reported light clear ice and moderate turbulence while flying at about 41,000 feet. Moments later, they requested to climb to 37,000 feet but reported descending shortly thereafter. A mayday call was transmitted at around 12:48 p.m.
Witnesses reported the plane falling from approximately 35,000 feet before crashing into a residential area, exploding on impact. The incident left a large crater and ignited several fires in the vicinity.
The co-pilot, identified as 20-year-old Nathalia Filgueiras of Boca Raton, was among the deceased. State officials reported that debris from the crash necessitated the temporary evacuation of 600 residents from a nearby mobile home park.
The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation into the crash. Preliminary reports indicated that thunderstorms could have contributed to severe turbulence, leading to the fatal descent of the aircraft.
No injuries or fatalities among residents on the ground have been reported. Emergency services, including local fire departments, responded rapidly to the scene to control the resulting fires and ensure community safety.