Learjet crash in Palm Beach County leaves nine dead, WPTV reports

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

PALM BEACH COUNTY — A Learjet 60 carrying nine people crashed near Military Trail in the Greenacres/Cresthaven area on Sunday, November 1. WPTV reported Sunday afternoon that all nine people aboard died.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft went down at about 12:50 p.m. while traveling from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas. The crash occurred in Palm Beach County, south of West Palm Beach.

Military Trail closed in both directions

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue said Military Trail was closed to all traffic between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North. The agency warned that the response would take an extended period and asked drivers to avoid the area. No reopening time had been announced in its advisory.

The crash happened in Palm Beach County, north of Miami-Dade County. South Florida residents traveling toward Greenacres should avoid the closed stretch of Military Trail and follow emergency crews' directions.

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 FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate, with the NTSB leading the inquiry. The cause of the crash has not been established. The videos do not establish an impact speed or explain why the aircraft descended.

The reports reviewed for this update did not identify the people aboard or establish whether anyone on the ground was injured.

Developing story. Information checked Sunday, November 1, at 4:48 p.m. Eastern.