A tragic plane crash in the Bahamas has resulted in the deaths of 10 people, with officials confirming that the victims included several musicians and a DJ. The incident occurred in North Andros, a region situated in the waters just west of the nation’s capital, Nassau.
The Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union officially announced the loss on Saturday, expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy. In a statement posted on X, the union noted that the victims included members of The Pond Band and a DJ. The organization honored the group, stating, “(Their) passion, dedication, and artistry touched so many lives and helped to enrich the cultural fabric of The Bahamas.”
According to the Bahamian Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority, the aircraft had departed from Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau and was en route to San Andros when the fatal crash occurred.
In response to the tragedy, the Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation has temporarily grounded all Flamingo Air flights. Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis explained during a press conference that the suspension of the company’s air operator certificate serves as a precautionary safety measure while investigations into the crash continue. The ministry noted that the decision was also influenced by a separate safety incident that took place on Friday.
Providing further context on the airline’s recent safety record, Minister Coleby-Davis detailed that earlier on Friday, a Flamingo Air flight headed to Mayaguana was forced to turn back to Nassau after the pilot reported a technical concern. Following the safe deboarding of all passengers, that aircraft caught fire on the ground. Both the crash and the fire incident remain under active investigation by authorities.
“Among the dearly departed are some of the talented and vibrant members of our entertainment community, including members of The Pond Band and a DJ,” the union said in a statement on X.
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