GREENACRES, Fla. (WPEC) — A Learjet 60 crashed in a residential area Sunday afternoon, resulting in a fiery explosion and a significant emergency response.
Authorities confirmed that the aircraft, carrying nine individuals, went down near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North. Emergency crews quickly responded to extinguish the fire and manage the scene.
Preliminary reports indicate that the Learjet was traveling from Austin, Texas, to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Flight tracking data show it descended rapidly from approximately 41,000 feet to the ground within one minute.
DeWitt Ingram, a Learjet type-rated captain, noted that severe weather conditions, specifically thunderstorms, might have impacted the plane's flight path. He raised concerns about possible turbulence causing a loss of control but emphasized that no definitive cause has been confirmed.
Ingram mentioned that the high-speed impact likely resulted in the aircraft breaking apart into small fragments, explaining the absence of recognizable wreckage. He cited that heavier components might remain at the crash site.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released information regarding potential injuries or fatalities. S. Military Trail remains closed in both directions as the situation unfolds. Further details will be provided as they become available.