Nine killed after jet explodes near highway, crashed into a residential area

FLORIDA: Nine people were killed after a private jet exploded near the highway. The shocking incident happened in South Florida in USA Sunday local time at 12.50 pm at Palm Beach County. Nine people who were in the jet died on the spot itself.

The Learjet 60 aircraft, which crashed, was heading to the Bahamas from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas. The plane crashed into a residential area, very close to nearby houses and vehicles. Video footage captured by occupants of a nearby vehicle clearly shows how the accident occurred.

A large crater has formed where the plane crashed near the road. The aircraft came down just inches away from the vehicles on the road. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the accident as a 'horrific tragedy.' He also informed that the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the incident. A team from the Federal Aviation Administration has been decided to be sent to assist them.

It is not clear the reason for the jet to explode and the identity of the passengers is not known. The jet lost control and plunged down while flying eastward at an altitude of 11 kilometers. It had rained in the area the previous day. The pilot had reported that there was heavy rain and freezing weather conditions, and that ice was accumulating on the aircraft. Following this, permission was also sought to fly 610 meters higher. However, this could not be achieved.

Before the accident, the pilot sent a Mayday message stating that the aircraft was descending at a speed of 20,000 feet per minute. Finally, the pilot informed that the plane was going to crash by sending the final message, 'We are going to go down,' and the accident occurred.