GREENACRES, Fla. — A private jet carrying nine people crashed into a residential area in Palm Beach County on Sunday afternoon, erupting into a massive fireball and sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
The Learjet 60 went down around 12:50 p.m. near South Military Trail and Cresthaven Boulevard in Greenacres, leaving a large crater and burning wreckage scattered across the crash site.
Authorities reported multiple fatalities, though the death toll has not been confirmed.
According to reports, the twin-engine business jet struck a tree, brought down power lines and slammed into a mobile home before exploding. The impact reportedly sent a thunderous boom echoing for miles.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that nine people were aboard the aircraft, which had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was headed to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said all nine people on board were killed. As of 4 p.m. Sunday, there was no confirmation of fatalities among people on the ground, and no identities of those aboard had been released.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office initially described the scene as a “mass casualty aircraft-related incident,” prompting a major emergency response.
Military Trail was shut down in both directions between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North as emergency crews worked the scene.
“Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
The cause of the crash remains unknown.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate, with the NTSB leading the investigation.
Authorities said additional information would be released as it becomes available.
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