A plane has crashed on the side of a highway in Boca Raton, Florida, killing three people and sparking a massive fireball that shook nearby buildings.
One witness across the road from the collision said his building shook from the force of the impact, adding “unfortunately I’m certain lives were lost here today”. Footage from the scene showed palm trees lining the side of a highway on fire as sirens blared in the backround in the immediate aftermath of the crash, which happened near the glades overpass shortly after 10am local time. All three people on board the small aircraft were killed, according to local officials and the Federal Aviation Administration. Posting to X, a witness said: “Possible plane crash right outside my office today. Shook the whole building. Unfortunately I’m certain lives were lost here today. Thoughts and prayers to anyone who survived and the families of those who didn’t. If you’re in @CityBocaRaton stay away from military trail near the glades overpass.” In a video shared alongside his tweet, a man was heard saying: “The whole building shakes”. Another said: “I think a plane crashed.”
Another witness, posting to Snapchat, wrote: “What the f***, I just watched a plane fly into the ground.” According to Flightradar, the aircraft was a Cessna 310R – an American four-to-six-seat, low-wing, twin-engine monoplane. The flight tracking site said: “We’re following reports of a crash of a small aircraft in Boca Raton. ADS-B data indicates the aircraft is Cessna 310R N8930N. The aircraft appears to have been trying to return to BCT shortly after takeoff.”
Boca Raton Police said: “N. Military Trail is closed between NW 19th St. and Butts Rd. due to small aircraft crash. I-95 overpass at Glades Rd. is also closed eastbound and westbound. Avoid the Area.” According to flight tracking data, the plane had been circling above Boca Raton airport and appeared to be struggling to land before it crashed. The Cessna 310R was in the air for a little less than 20 minutes before it went down, according to Flightradar.
Harrowing videos shared online show apocalyptic scenes in the aftermath of the crash, with thick grey smoke billowing from the crash sit and small fires raging on next to the busy freeway. Fire officials told the South Florida Sun Sentinel that the aircraft appeared to have pushed a car onto the railroad tracks, leading to its closure.
Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer has said an investigation into the crash has been launched. “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a plane crash occurred earlier today within our community. At this time, details are still emerging, and we are working closely with emergency responders and authorities,” Singer said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event. We ask for patience and respect for the families involved as investigations continue.”
The plane was heading to Tallahassee International Airport and was carrying three people before it crashed, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It said in a statement: “A Cessna 310 crashed around 10:20 a.m. local time on Friday, April 11, after departing from Boca Raton Airport in Florida. Three people were on board. The plane was headed to Tallahassee International Airport.
“The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide any updates.” Boca Raton is one of Florida’s more wealthy neighbourhoods with a reputation for luxury living. The area is home to a robust business sector, a large retirement community, and several major corporations with headquarters there.
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