A small plane crashed into a busy street in Florida near Boca Raton Airport just 20 minutes after takeoff, having reported a mechanical issue. The Boca Raton Police have confirmed that all three aboard the plane were killed as a result.According to NBC6, the plane crashed into the area of Military Trail and Glades Road. The Cessna 310 carried three people and had departed Boca Raton Airport at around 10:20 a.m., heading to Tallahassee International Aiport. At around 10:20 a.m., however, the plane went down as it was trying to return to Boca Raton Airport. This was confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
BocaNewsNow reported the plane’s pilot reported a mechanical issue at around 10:17 a.m., just three minutes before impact.
Michael LaSalle, the Boca Raton Fire Rescue Assistant Chief, as well as the Boca Raton Police, confirmed that the three people aboard the small plane were killed. Additionally, a man inside a vehicle on the ground suffered non-life-threatening injuries. According to LaSalle, the injured man hit a tree due to the debris and fire.
Tragic Crash
Witness Dillon Smith was working at his office when he noticed the plane flying “extremely low,” as per ABC News. Reportedly, Smith thought the plane was going to hit the roof of a building once it came down.
“I saw the plane, basically, turn, come back, and I heard it and saw it go over our building,” Smith told the outlet. He would then see a fireball after hearing a “boom.”
Video and photos of the site show the wreckage lying on top of railroad tracks. The fire that ignited following the crash was extinguished by first responders. Video footage also shows what appears to be a car’s wreckage, which was reportedly hit by the small plane.
Boca Raton confirmed that the surrounding roads were closed due to the crash
“N. Military Trail is closed between NW 19th St. and Butts Rd. due to small aircraft crash,” police wrote on X. I-95 overpass at Glades Rd. is also closed eastbound and westbound. Avoid the Area.”
Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer shared a statement with multiple outlets, including CNN, addressing the crash.
