PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A Learjet 60 crashed near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North on Sunday, killing all nine people on board and displacing approximately 600 residents from a nearby mobile home community.
The jet had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas, bound for North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The crash created a crater in the roadway, with scattered debris reported nearby. Officials stated that no injuries occurred on the ground.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, supported by the FAA. The cause of the crash remains undetermined, with the NTSB planning to provide an update on its findings at 1 p.m. Monday in West Palm Beach.
Residents evacuated to the Greenacres Community Center at 501 Swain Blvd. John I. Leonard High School, located near the crash site, was also closed on Monday as emergency crews continued their response. Military Trail is closed between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North, with officials warning that the closure may last for weeks as assessments are conducted.
Nearby businesses have reported disruptions, with Señor Lechón stating on Facebook that it is unsure when it will reopen. Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez of the Diocese of Palm Beach expressed condolences for the victims' families and announced a memorial Mass for the nine victims scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery in Royal Palm Beach.
As of Monday morning, authorities had not publicly identified the victims. This is a developing story; updates will follow as more information becomes available.