Palm Beach Crash: Nine Dead in Residential Neighborhood
A Learjet 60 went down near Cresthaven on Sunday afternoon, ending the lives of all nine people on board as the FAA and NTSB launch an investigation.
By Ana Castro ·
Nine people died on Sunday when a private jet crashed into a residential neighborhood in Palm Beach County, Florida. The aircraft hit the ground near Cresthaven at approximately 12:50 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine individuals on board perished in the incident.
The Learjet 60 had departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas. Its intended destination was North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas. The aircraft is a mid-sized business jet built by Bombardier Aerospace. It measures 58 feet in length and holds a maximum capacity of eight passengers plus two crew members. The plane has a maximum range of just over 2,400 nautical miles.
Local authorities reported that the jet narrowly missed striking several homes before falling near a roadway. The crash site is located close to Military Trail, specifically between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North. Military Trail remains closed to traffic in both directions. Drivers in the area were advised to use alternate routes. It is not yet known if the collision caused structural damage to nearby houses.
Telemundo 51 reporter Adrian Criscaut described a large police presence at the scene. Multiple security agencies and rescue units continued to arrive in the hours following the crash. Criscaut noted that the area is densely populated, with shops, workshops, homes, and schools in close proximity. Authorities planned to hold a press conference within minutes to provide further details on the event.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are investigating the cause of the crash. The FAA stated it is sending a team to the scene to support the NTSB’s inquiry. Both agencies are closely monitoring the situation and plan to share updates as more information becomes available. The investigation will determine why the aircraft lost control while in the neighborhood.
Secretary Duffy described the crash as a horrible tragedy in a statement posted on social media. He expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. The statement highlighted that the FAA and the Department of Transportation are working together to gather facts. Officials emphasized that they are praying for the families while they work through the initial response to the disaster.
The crash occurred during daytime hours in a section of the county known for mixed residential and commercial use. The presence of schools and businesses near the crash site added urgency to the rescue efforts. Emergency crews focused on clearing the area and securing the scene. Traffic flow around the intersection of Military Trail and Cresthaven Boulevard remained disrupted throughout the afternoon.
The Learjet 60 is a common model for private air travel due to its speed and range. The aircraft’s design allows for quick trips between major hubs and island destinations. The flight from Texas to the Bahamas fits within the plane’s operational capabilities. Investigators will now examine flight data and physical debris to reconstruct the final moments of the flight. The findings will be part of the broader safety review of the incident.
