A private business jet carrying nine people crashed into a residential neighborhood near Cresthaven, Florida, resulting in the deaths of everyone on board, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The aircraft, a Learjet 60, had departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was en route to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas when it nose-dived and impacted the ground at approximately 12:50 pm local time.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the fatalities, describing the event as a "horrific tragedy." Writing on the X platform, Duffy stated, "Please join me in praying for the families and loved ones of those we lost." The crash site is situated near Military Trail, between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North, located just a few miles from the Mar-a-Lago estate of US President Donald Trump.
Motorists captured video footage of the aircraft as it plunged steeply from the sky. While the investigation is ongoing, it remains unclear if any individuals on the ground suffered injuries. Jim Reynolds, a spokesperson for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, confirmed the aircraft was privately operated, though specific passenger details have not yet been released. Reynolds noted, "This is definitely a tragedy."
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue announced the "Aircraft Incident" on X, advising the public to avoid the area and noting that it would be an extended incident. To secure the site and allow emergency services to operate, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office closed all northbound and southbound lanes along Military Trail between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North until further notice. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation alongside the FAA to determine why the aircraft lost control.
