A tragic plane crash claimed the lives of three individuals aboard the aircraft and injured one person on the ground after the plane went down onto a busy Boca Raton roadway Friday morning.
Officials reported receiving calls around 10:12 AM EDT regarding a plane in distress near the Boca Raton Airport. Boca Raton Fire Rescue and Police Department units responded according to established protocols.
According to preliminary reports shared by fire officials during a press briefing, the aircraft experienced apparent mechanical issues before crashing on Military Trail. The crash site is located between Butts Road and Northwest 19th Street.
“We will at this time confirm there were three fatalities in the aircraft,” stated a fire department official. He confirmed all three individuals aboard the plane perished in the crash.
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The crash also involved a vehicle traveling on Military Trail. The driver of the car sustained non-life-threatening injuries, reportedly after encountering debris and fire resulting from the crash. Officials noted it was unconfirmed, but believed the driver may have driven through the “fireball” on the ground. The injured driver was treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital.
As a result of the crash and ongoing investigation, Military Trail is closed between Butts Road and Northwest 19th Street. The I-95 interchange near the crash site is also shut down in both directions. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes and expect significant delays in the area.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been designated as the lead agency investigating the cause of the crash and had personnel en route to the scene at the time of the briefing.
Further details regarding the flight, the type of aircraft, its intended route, and the specific nature of the mechanical issues are expected to emerge as the NTSB and potentially the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conduct their investigation.
ORIGINAL REPORT: A small plane crashed on Military Trail in Boca Raton this morning, resulting in a fire involving both the aircraft and a vehicle, according to emergency officials.
Boca Raton Fire Rescue (BRFR) reported that the incident occurred at 10:12 a.m. Crews arrived to find both the small plane and the car engulfed in flames. Multiple BRFR units are currently on the scene managing the situation, according to CBS News.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft involved was a Cessna 310. The plane, carrying three people, had departed from Boca Raton Airport and was en route to Tallahassee International Airport when it crashed.
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The crash has led to significant traffic disruptions. The Boca Raton Police Department has closed North Military Trail between Northwest 19th Street and Butts Road. Furthermore, the I-95 overpass at Glades Road is closed to both eastbound and westbound traffic. Drivers are strongly advised to avoid the area.
No further information regarding the cause of the crash or the condition of the individuals involved has been released at this time. Updates will be provided as they become available.
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