Palm Beach County activates emergency operations center after plane crash

Palm Beach County has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in response to a private aircraft crash and widespread flooding that have created hazardous conditions across the county.

The EOC was activated Sunday afternoon, Nov. 1, and is operating at Level 2, a partial activation. County officials said it would remain operational as emergency crews respond to the aftermath of the crash and ongoing flooding.

A state of local emergency was declared Nov. 1 in response to both incidents.

The aircraft, a Bombardier Learjet 60, crashed near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North in the Greenacres area at approximately 12:50 p.m. Sunday. It was travelling from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

All nine people aboard the aircraft were killed, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed. The victims included two crew members and seven passengers.

The aircraft crashed near a residential community, causing fires, scattering debris and damaging property and infrastructure. One person driving near the crash site also sustained leg injuries, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Separately, heavy rainfall has caused significant flooding throughout Palm Beach County, affecting roadways, public infrastructure, residential and commercial properties, and access to essential services.

The flooding continues to pose risks to residents and visitors and may require additional emergency response operations, drainage and water management activities, and the deployment of county personnel and equipment to affected areas.

Meanwhile, Palm Beach County Commissioner Joel G. Flores, who represents District 3, organized a virtual meeting with community leaders and organizations on Monday to coordinate relief efforts for families and residents affected by the aircraft accident.

Flores said he had received numerous offers of assistance from individuals, organizations and community leaders and wanted to bring them together to identify immediate needs and coordinate support.

“I have received an overwhelming number of offers from individuals, organizations, and community leaders eager to help those impacted by this tragedy. I want to bring everyone together to better understand what assistance is already being provided, identify immediate needs, and coordinate our efforts to ensure we are making the greatest possible impact,” Flores said.

Palm Beach County officials said updates on both incidents would be provided as necessary.