A private jet carrying nine people crashed just eight miles from Mar-a-Lago in Florida, triggering a massive fire and sending a thunderous boom across the area.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the $2 million Learjet 60 plunged 32,000 feet in about a minute. The impact sparked a fierce amber blaze, while thick smoke rose from the scorched roadside in Greenacres, Palm Beach County.
The crash left a large crater in the ground, with pieces of debris scattered across the surrounding area.
The twin-engine business jet came down near South Military Trail and Marilyn Drive at approximately 12:50 p.m. The identities of those aboard have not been released.
Flight data showed the aircraft had departed Austin, Texas, and was heading to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas when its journey ended abruptly near West Palm Beach.
Donald Trump had been at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday night for a Halloween party. However, he is understood to have left for Iowa before the explosion occurred.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office told the Daily Mail that it was responding to a “mass casualty aircraft-related incident,” but released no further details.
Dramatic dashcam footage recorded by drivers appeared to show the jet plunging toward the ground before erupting in a huge fireball.
The Learjet 60, a twin-engine business jet, crashed near South Military Trail and Marilyn Drive at approximately 12:50 p.m.
Dashcam footage captured the moment the aircraft crashed beside the road and exploded into a massive fireball. The FAA said nine people were aboard.
The FAA said the $2 million Learjet 60 lost 32,000 feet in a minute before crashing in Greenacres, Palm Beach County, where it ignited in flames and sent plumes of smoke into the air.
Several local reports posted online described hearing a powerful boom before the ground began to shake and flames broke out.
One person said they were “lifted from the ground,” while another compared the deafening impact to the sound of a missile.
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The crash occurred roughly eight miles from the President’s lavish estate and was powerful enough to bring down power lines.
Officials have not determined what caused the crash, nor have they confirmed whether anyone was injured or killed. The site is close to several businesses and mobile-home communities.
Military Trail was closed in both directions between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North, with the restrictions remaining in place until further notice.
The FAA said: “A Learjet 60 crashed in a residential area near Cresthaven, Florida, around 12:50 p.m. local time on Sunday, November 1. Nine people were on board.”
The impact created a large crater and scattered debris across the area. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office told the Daily Mail it was handling a “mass casualty aircraft-related incident,” but provided no additional details.
The crash site was approximately eight miles from Mar-a-Lago and the Trump golf course.
Trump carried an umbrella while boarding Air Force One before departing for Dubuque, Iowa. He had taken off before the private jet crashed near West Palm Beach.
‘The aircraft departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was headed to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas.
‘The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide all updates.’
Trump was in Palm Beach at his resort overnight, celebrating the holiday by hosting hundreds of friends at a jungle-themed Halloween party.
The President made an appearance, dressed as himself. ‘I’ve spent nine hours getting ready,’ he joked. ‘I had ten minutes, so I came as Donald Trump tonight! Hello everybody.’
Today, he made his way to Iowa for the final leg of his midterm campaign.
This is a breaking news story.