Nine killed as business jet crashes into South Florida

Nine people aboard a business jet were killed after the aircraft crashed into a mobile home neighbourhood in South Florida and burst into flames, US officials have confirmed.

The Learjet 60 went down at about 12:50 p.m. local time on Sunday, November 1, near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North in Palm Beach County, between Greenacres and Palm Springs.

The crash triggered several fires, scattered debris over a wide area and caused extensive damage to the neighbourhood.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was heading to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine people aboard were killed, describing the incident as a “horrific tragedy” in a social media post.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also described the incident as a “cataclysmic plane crash”, saying the aircraft appeared to have fallen like a missile and left a large crater beside the road.

He commended emergency responders from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue for their swift response and efforts to secure the area.

There were no immediate reports of casualties among residents or other people on the ground.

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However, DeSantis said debris had spread over a considerable distance, warning that road closures along Military Trail could remain in place for the foreseeable future as investigations continue.

An audio recording of the aircraft’s final communication with air traffic control has also emerged.

The recording, published by LiveATC, captured a person in the cockpit reporting that the crew was “managing the ice”, encountering “moderate” turbulence and seeking better flying conditions.

The cause of the crash has not been established.

Weather conditions in the West Palm Beach area at the time included overcast skies, rain and reported lightning. Winds were blowing from the east at about 15 miles per hour, with gusts reaching 25 miles per hour, while visibility was reported at seven miles.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident, with the NTSB expected to lead the probe and provide further updates.