At least three people died after a small plane in which they were travelling crashed in Boca Raton, Florida, USA, on Friday, media reports said.
“The aircraft had apparently some mechanical issues and went down here on Military Trail,” Michael LaSalle, assistant fire chief for Boca Fire Rescue, was quoted ABC News as saying. “Also, there was a car on the ground.”
LaSalle said one man, who was present in the car, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The Cessna 310R took off from Boca Raton Airport at 10:15 a.m. and was heading to Tallahassee International Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration told ABC News.
The flight reportedly crashed after remaining in the air for approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
Kurt Gibson, an aviation accident investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board, told ABC News that the aircraft will be sent to an NTSB facility, and investigators are gathering video and interviewing witnesses as part of the agency’s probe into the crash.
He said a preliminary report on the incident is expected to be released in 30 days.
Eyewitness
An eyewitness named Dillon Smith, who was present at his office, told ABC News that he saw the plane flying “extremely low” and appearing like it would hit the roof of a nearby building.
“I saw the plane, basically, turn, come back, and I heard it and saw it go over our building,” Smith said.
“I just saw it drop below the trees” and “heard a boom,” Smith said.
Mayor reacts to tragedy
Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer reacted to the mishap and wrote on his X handle: “Our hearts are heavy today with this tragic loss of life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and all affected. We are grateful for @BocaFireRescue and @BocaPolice and their continued work with other agencies. Our community is caring, strong, and resilient.”
New York chopper crash
The Florida tragedy follows the fatal helicopter crash in New York, which killed six people, including three children.
The choppe crashed into the Hudson River on Thursday.
A major water rescue operation was initiated after the mishap occurred.
The victims included Agustín Escobar, a Siemens executive, and his family, according to a law enforcement official who was quoted by CNN
According to reports, the family arrived in New York City from Spain.
The exact cause of the crash is still not known.
