A small private plane carrying three people crashed shortly after takeoff in Boca Raton on Friday morning, killing all on board, according to officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local authorities.
One other person who was in a nearby car was injured, according to Associated Press.
The twin-engine Cessna 310R departed from Boca Raton Airport around 10:20 a.m. and was en route to Tallahassee International Airport when it went down near Military Trail, close to the I-95 and Glades Road intersection. The aircraft was in the air for less than 20 minutes before crashing, according to data from Flightradar24.
Authorities said the aircraft appeared to have experienced mechanical issues before it came down near a set of railroad tracks. Aerial footage from NBC6 showed a crash site littered with debris, a damaged vehicle, and a scorched area near a highway overpass. The plane’s wreckage was visible alongside the tracks.
“One of the cars was hit by flying debris and crashed into a tree,” said Michael LaSalle, assistant fire chief for Boca Fire Rescue, during a news conference. He confirmed that the driver of that vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The crash scene prompted multiple road closures around the busy intersection, with Boca Raton officials advising residents to avoid the area. The fire caused by the crash was quickly extinguished.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and all affected,” Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer said in a statement. “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.”
The tragedy comes just one day after a sightseeing helicopter crash in New York’s Hudson River claimed six lives, adding to a week of fatal air travel incidents.
