E-Paper
Small plane crashes in South Florida hours after NYC chopper tragedy; All 3 passengers dead
The small plane reportedly crashed near a major interstate highway and railroad tracks.
A small plane crashed in South Florida's Boca Raton near a major interstate highway and railroad tracks on Friday, killing all three persons on board. Police said one person on ground, who got injured in the incident, was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The Boca Raton police said that several roads near the Boca Raton airport were closed near Interstate 95. They said that military trail also remained closed between NW 19th St. and Butts Rd, adding that the roads will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, the Federation Aviation Administration identified the aircraft as a Cessna 310, with three people aboard the plane. The plane went down about 10:20 am after leaving from the Boca Raton airport for Tallahassee, the FAA said.
Several visuals on social media showed the plane on fire, engulfed in large plumes of smoke as firefighters and police teams responded to the incident.
South Florida plane crash
The crash is reportedly being probed by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board, with the NTSB leading the investigation.
Fire officials told local media that the aircraft appeared to have pushed a car onto the railroad tracks, resulting in their closure. The status of the car occupants was also unknown.
Meanwhile, Miguel Coka, who works at the Boca Raton airport, said that he is used to seeing flights moving at a low altitude as they prepare to land. But this time, he and his colleagues realised that something was not right.
"There was rumble and everyone in the building felt it," he said when the plane crashed, "We are all shocked."
Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer said that the investigation was just beginning. In a statement he said, "We are deeply saddened to confirm that a plane crash occurred earlier today within our community. At this time, details are still emerging, and we are working closely with emergency responders and authorities."
"Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event. We ask for patience and respect for the families involved as investigations continue," Singer added.
‘Don’t know if I ever want to fly again': Netizens react
In the backdrop of the recent aircraft crashes, netizens on social media reacted to the South Florida incident.
One of the users on X wrote, "Another plane crash, Boca Raton Florida. I don't know if I ever want to fly again." Another quipped, "I just don't get it."
Another X user described the events as "strange things are happening..."
"Plane crash in Florid today. Yesterday, crash over Hudson River. Who's next?" wrote a user.
NYC helicopter crash
This incident comes just a day after a tourist helicopter crashed into New York City's Hudson River, killing all six aboard, including three children. While officials did publicly identify those killed, a New York Post report said that those onboard included the president and CEO of Siemens in Spain and his wife and children.
US President Donald Trump had reacted to the crash and said, "Terrible helicopter crash in the Hudson River. Looks like six people, the pilot, two adults, and three children, are no longer with us. The footage of the accident is horrendous."
ALSO READ | Hudson River crash: Helicopter's ‘blade flew off’ with 5 onboard - New details emerge
“God bless the families and friends of the victims. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, and his talented staff are on it. Announcements as to exactly what took place, and how, will be made shortly!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social network.
As per New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the Bell 206 chopper, operated by NY Helicopter Tours, had departed from a downtown helipad at about 3 pm and flew north over the Hudson.
It then turned south when it reached the George Washington Bridge and minutes later, hitting the water upside down and getting submerged near Lower Manhattan at around 3:15 pm, Tisch added.
