On Friday morning, a small aircraft carrying three individuals crashed in South Florida, near a major interstate highway, resulting in a car being pushed onto railway tracks, according to authorities. The Boca Raton police reported that roads near Boca Raton Airport were closed following the incident, which occurred shortly after 10 am local time and involved a fire that drew firefighters to the scene.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that the aircraft was a Cessna 310. While the fate of the occupants remains unclear, details regarding potential casualties are still emerging. The plane had just taken off from Boca Raton Airport, destined for Tallahassee, at around 10.20 am.
Fire officials identified that the plane’s crash impacted a nearby car, causing it to end up on the railroad tracks, which were subsequently closed. As the situation evolved, witnesses reported chaotic scenes; one bystander, Josh Orsino, described hearing a loud explosion and seeing a fireball while he waited at a red light on an overpass. Concerned that the fire might spread, he and other motorists were honking their horns in an attempt to leave the overpass quickly.
Another witness, Miguel Coka, who works near the airport, recalled feeling a rumble related to the crash. He took footage of the flames from his office balcony. Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer expressed distress over the incident, confirming that an investigation was underway with the collaboration of emergency services and pertinent authorities.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event,” the Mayor stated, urging respect for the families involved as investigations proceeds. Although the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are looking into the crash, the NTSB will head the inquiry.
This incident took place the day following another aviation tragedy in New York City, where a sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, claiming the lives of the pilot and a Spanish tourist family. The contrast of these events highlights the ongoing concerns regarding air travel safety.