A Learjet 60 crashed in Palm Beach County after departing Texas for the Bahamas, killing all nine people aboard as US aviation authorities launch an investigation.

FLORIDA, UNITED STATES — WEB DESK: A private passenger jet crashed in Palm Beach County, Florida, killing all nine people aboard and prompting an investigation by US aviation authorities.

The Learjet 60 crashed at approximately 12:50 pm local time on Sunday, November 1, in a residential area near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North. The aircraft came down close to homes and a mobile home community, causing a major fire and scattering debris across the crash site. Reuters+2

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine people aboard the aircraft had died. Florida officials described the incident as a major tragedy, while emergency responders rushed to the scene to manage the fire and secure the surrounding area.

Aircraft Was Travelling From Texas to the Bahamas

The Learjet 60 had departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was travelling towards North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas when the accident occurred.

The aircraft crashed near a residential neighbourhood in Palm Beach County. Authorities closed sections of Military Trail between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North, asking motorists to avoid the area while emergency operations continued.

Hundreds of nearby residents were evacuated or relocated as a precaution following the crash. Officials also arranged temporary shelter for people affected by the incident.

US Aviation Authorities Launch Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched an investigation to determine what caused the aircraft to crash.

Initial reports indicated that the pilots had encountered icing, precipitation and turbulence before the aircraft entered a rapid descent. Air traffic control recordings also captured emergency communications shortly before the crash.

However, investigators have not established an official cause. The circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s sudden loss of altitude remain under examination.

The identities of the nine victims had not been publicly confirmed in the initial reports. Investigators are expected to examine flight data, aircraft systems, weather conditions and communications to establish the sequence of events.