Nine killed in Palm Beach County Learjet crash; Military Trail remains closed

Emergency crews respond along Military Trail on November 1. Photo: Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.

PALM BEACH COUNTY — A Learjet 60 crashed near Military Trail in the Greenacres/Cresthaven area on Sunday, November 1. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said all nine people aboard died, according to the Associated Press.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft went down at about 12:50 p.m. during a flight from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas. The FAA described its initial information as preliminary.

Military Trail closure and resident relocation

Military Trail remains closed between 10th Avenue North and Purdy Lane/Alameda Drive, with access limited to emergency vehicles, according to a county update reported by WPTV. The county identified 10th Avenue North and Purdy Lane/Alameda Drive as east-west alternatives, and Haverhill Road and Kirk Road as north-south alternatives. Drivers should follow officers' directions.

WPTV reported that county officials were preparing to relocate about 600 people from a nearby mobile home community while investigators work. Two shelters were on standby, with Palm Tran ready to provide transportation once law enforcement permitted the evacuation.

At Sunday's briefing, officials said they had received no reports of deaths or injuries on the ground, WPTV reported.

Video captures the impact and aftermath

Footage published by WBFF FOX45 Baltimore shows the aircraft descending steeply before an explosion beside the roadway. Separate video published by The Palm Beach Post shows flames, smoke and debris at the scene.

Federal investigation ahead

The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation, with the FAA also investigating. The cause has not been established, and the footage alone does not establish an impact speed.

Developing story. Information checked Sunday, November 1, at 5:20 p.m. Eastern.