At least three people are believed to have been killed in a plane crash in Boca Raton, Florida, with authorities launching an investigation.
Footage taken by a witness shows apocalyptic scenes at the crash site, with thick grey smoke billowing into the sky and flames engulfing the a number of palm trees lining the freeway. Debris is also seen strewn across the area, with several vehicles slowing down to catch a view of the commotion. Sirens and shouting can be heard in the background from panicked locals as emergency crews rush to respond.
The aircraft is understood to have experienced issues at it approached Boca Raton Regional Airport, just north of Miami, at about 10:17am local time. Officials have not yet released any information about the identities of those who are believed to have died in the crash. Emergency responders have raced to the scene after the plane failed to land.
Boca Raton Police said on X/Twitter: “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.”
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All three people on board the small aircraft in Boca Raton have been confirmed dead, according to local officials and the Federal Aviation Administration.
The “aircraft had apparently some mechanical issues and went down here on Military Trail,” Michael LaSalle, assistant fire chief for Boca Fire Rescue, said at a news conference. “Also, there was a car on the ground.”
One man in the car suffered non-life-threatening injuries, LaSalle added.
There were three people on board the plane that was attempting to land in Boca Raton this morning, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). All three are believed to have been killed in the crash.
The plane was heading to Tallahassee International Airport 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.”
Emergency personnel are currently responding to the area where the plane is said to have crashed on the railroad tracks beneath the overpass near Interstate 95. Debris can be seen scattered across the tracks.
Fire officials told the South Florida Sun Sentinel that the aircraft appeared to have pushed a car onto the railroad tracks, leading to their closure. The fate of the car’s occupants are currently unknown.
It is also not yet clear how many people were on the plane and whether there were any survivors.
Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer has said an investigation into the crash is just beginning. “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.”
Footage taken by a witness shows apocalyptic scenes at the crash site, with thick grey smoke billowing into the sky and flames engulfing a number of palm trees lining the freeway. Debris is also seen strewn across the area, with several vehicles slowing down to catch a view of the commotion. Sirens and shouting can be heard in the background from panicked locals as emergency crews rush to respond.
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… pic.twitter.com/C1Zu2WCxHT
The plane is understood to have experienced issues at it approached Boca Raton Regional Airport, just north of Miami, at about 10:17am local time.
Flight tracking data showed the aircraft repeatedly circling above the airport, suggesting it encountered a problem mid-air and was struggling to land before it crashed. According to Flightradar, the Cessna 310R was in the air for a little less than 20 minutes before it went down.
According to Flightradar, the aircraft in question is believed to be 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.”
Locals in the vicinity of the glades overpass, where the plane crashed shortly after 10am, have been urged to avoid the area.
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.
One witness across the road from the site of the plane crash said his building shook from the force of the impact, adding “unfortunately I’m certain lives were lost here today”.
The witness said on X: “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 posted alongside the tweet, a man is heard saying: “The whole building shakes”. Another is heard saying: “I think a plane crashed.”
At least three people are believed to have died in the crash, which happened near the glades overpass shortly after 10am local time, The Sun Sentinel reports.
The cause of the crash remains unclear, but flight tracking data showed 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 on social media shows 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.
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.
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… pic.twitter.com/C1Zu2WCxHT
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