Private Jet Crash Near Cresthaven Kills All Nine Onboard

All nine people aboard a private jet died when the aircraft crashed into a residential neighborhood near Cresthaven in Palm Beach County on Sunday. The impact occurred at approximately 12:50 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The plane was a Bombardier Aerospace Learjet 60, a mid-size business jet that measures 58 feet in length. The aircraft had taken off from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was en route to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the deaths of the nine occupants. In a statement, he described the incident as a horrible tragedy and offered condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. The FAA stated that it is sending a team to the scene to support the investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board. Both agencies are closely monitoring the situation and plan to share updates as more information becomes available.

The crash site is located near Military Trail, between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North. The road remains closed to traffic in both directions at this location. Authorities have advised drivers to use alternate routes to avoid the area. The Associated Press reported that the aircraft narrowly missed striking several houses before hitting the ground near the road. It is not yet clear if the collision caused damage to the nearby buildings.

Local media reported a heavy police presence at the scene, with multiple security agencies and rescue units arriving hours after the crash. Telemundo 51 reporter Adrian Criscaut noted that authorities were preparing to hold a press conference to clarify details. He described the area as highly populated, with shops, workshops, homes, and schools in close proximity to the crash site. The presence of emergency crews suggested that victims were involved in the incident.

The Learjet 60 is designed to carry a maximum of two crew members and eight passengers. The plane has a maximum range of just over 2,400 nautical miles. The FAA and the NTSB will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash. Officials have not yet released the names of the passengers or crew. The investigation will determine why the aircraft crashed in a populated residential zone.

The crash happened during midday hours, when traffic and activity in the neighborhood would typically be high. The closure of Military Trail has disrupted local travel patterns in the area. Residents in the vicinity have been advised to stay alert for emergency vehicles. The exact extent of the debris field is not yet fully mapped. The FAA team on site is working to secure the area and gather initial data for the NTSB.

Sean Duffy’s statement highlighted the close coordination between the Department of Transportation and the FAA. He urged the public to keep the families of the lost in their thoughts. The next scheduled update from the authorities is expected as soon as the initial investigation findings are compiled. No specific date was given for the full release of the report. The road closure is expected to continue until the investigation concludes and the area is cleared.