FLORIDA – A private jet crashed in Palm Beach County, Florida, triggering a massive fire at the scene, with multiple fatalities feared, according to US media reports.
The jet reportedly had nine people on board when it went down.
However, the officials have yet to confirm the exact number of passengers or establish whether anyone on the ground was killed or injured.
The crash occurred around seven miles from US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence.
Local media reports said the jet had taken off from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was heading to the Bahamas.
The aircraft reportedly made a sudden right turn before plunging towards the ground from an altitude of around 8,000 feet.
The jet is believed to have been a Learjet 60, estimated to be worth around $2 million. During the crash, it struck a tree and brought down power lines, while the impact produced an explosion that was heard across the surrounding area.
Videos circulating from the scene showed a large crater in the ground, with flames engulfing the crash site.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue described the incident as a mass-casualty crash, indicating the possibility of significant loss of life. Authorities have yet to release a confirmed casualty count.
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