Bahamas plane crash investigation continues as remains moved for examination
Bahamas Plane Crash: 10 Killed After Flamingo Aircraft Crashes in San Andros; Airliner Grounds All Flights
Key Points(5)
- Investigations are continuing into Friday’s fatal plane crash in The Bahamas that claimed the lives of all 10 people aboard a Cessna aircraft, police said, as the remains of nine victims have been transported to San Andros for further examination and identification.
- In a statement, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said the remains were moved “for safekeeping” while authorities continue their work following the crash involving a Flamingo Air aircraft.
- “Investigations into this tragic incident remain ongoing,” police said, adding that preliminary investigations have revealed that the Cessna aircraft, registration number C6-FLX, crashed in the pine yard near North Andros Airport.
- Police also confirmed that a 24-year-old survivor who was found at the crash site with “extensive burns covering his body” later died from his injuries.
- Media reports have identified five members of the popular Da Pond Band among those killed in the crash.
Investigations are continuing into Friday’s fatal plane crash in The Bahamas that claimed the lives of all 10 people aboard a Cessna aircraft, police said, as the remains of nine victims have been transported to San Andros for further examination and identification.
In a statement, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said the remains were moved “for safekeeping” while authorities continue their work following the crash involving a Flamingo Air aircraft.
“Investigations into this tragic incident remain ongoing,” police said, adding that preliminary investigations have revealed that the Cessna aircraft, registration number C6-FLX, crashed in the pine yard near North Andros Airport.
Police also confirmed that a 24-year-old survivor who was found at the crash site with “extensive burns covering his body” later died from his injuries.
Media reports have identified five members of the popular Da Pond Band among those killed in the crash. They include band leader Giovanni McKenzie, Rashad Storr, Mateo Winder, Toniquea Gilot and Tra’vis Johnson.
Also reported among the victims were DJ Melvin Henfield, Andros natives Quintin Myers and Macaro Rolle, and pilot Franklyn Cambridge.
The crash occurred on Friday as The Bahamas marked its Independence Day, turning what is normally a day of celebration into a period of national mourning.
Prime Minister Philip Davis expressed condolences to the families of those who died.
“To every family that has received the devastating news that someone they love will not be coming home we offer our deepest condolences. There are no words that can take away your pain,” Davis said.
Following the incident, the Ministry of Energy and Aviation announced that the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB) had temporarily suspended Flamingo Air’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
The ministry said the suspension was issued “in the interest of aviation and safety following two safety incidents that occurred today.”
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA), which is leading the crash investigation, said its mandate is focused on preventing future accidents rather than assigning blame or liability.
“The investigation remains in its preliminary stage. Investigators will continue to gather and analyse factual information relating to all aspects of the occurrence, including the aircraft, flight operations, maintenance, meteorological information, air traffic services and any other relevant evidence,” the agency said.
The AAIA cautioned that no conclusions have been reached regarding the cause of the crash.
“At this stage of the investigation, no determination has been made regarding the cause or contributing factors of the accident. Any information currently available is preliminary and subject to change as additional evidence is obtained and analyzed.”
