GREENACRES, Fla. (CBS12) — A Learjet crash on South Military Trail Sunday afternoon claimed nine lives, including a family of four with two young children.
The incident occurred around 12:50 p.m. between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North, according to authorities. The Learjet 60 was en route from Austin, Texas, to the Bahamas when it crashed, erupting into flames and creating a significant explosion.
The victims have been identified as Adam Robinson, Helen Sharp, their children Emma, 4, and Charlie, 2, as well as Rachael Reed, Charmi Fehr, and Anita Maria Cetina. A family statement described Adam and Helen as devoted parents, while also honoring the joyful relationships of Reed and Fehr.
Witnesses reported that no one on the ground was injured; however, around 600 residents of a nearby mobile home park were evacuated as a precaution. Authorities stated the crash debris scattered across a wide area.
South Military Trail remains closed in both directions with no estimated reopening date. An investigation is underway by the FAA and NTSB to determine the cause of the accident.
Governor Ron DeSantis visited the site and compared the crash’s force to “a missile coming down.”