A Learjet carrying nine people crashed in a residential area near Cresthaven on Sunday afternoon, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
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Learjet headed to Bahamas crashes in Palm Beach County with 9 people on boardThe FAA said the Learjet 60 crashed around 12:50 p.m. The aircraft had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was headed to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas.
Nine people were on board, according to the FAA. The agency said its information is preliminary and subject to change.
Gov. Ron DeSantis visited the scene Sunday and described the crash as "cataclysmic," saying the aircraft appeared "like a missile going down" and left a large crater along Military Trail. He praised Palm Beach County first responders for their quick response.
Officials said they had not received reports at the time of the news conference of people on the ground being killed or injured by the crash or debris. DeSantis said the debris field stretched a significant distance.
Palm Beach County officials said approximately 600 people in a nearby mobile home community are expected to be relocated because the crash site is considered a crime scene while authorities investigate. Officials said two shelters were on standby and Palm Tran was prepared to transport residents once law enforcement allowed the evacuation to begin.
Military Trail closed until further noticePalm Beach County said Military Trail between 10th Avenue North and Purdy Lane/Alameda Drive will remain closed until further notice. Only emergency vehicles will be allowed into the closed area.
Law enforcement will redirect traffic and assist residents as needed.
Drivers are being asked to use 10th Avenue North and Purdy Lane/Alameda Drive for east-west travel and Haverhill Road and Kirk Road for north-south travel.
County officials said they are also working on an alternate traffic pattern expected to be released as the response continues.
During Sunday's news conference, a county commissioner said the crash created a massive crater on Military Trail and cautioned that portions of the roadway could face an extended closure. County officials stressed that the timeline will also depend on the federal investigation.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash. The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide further updates.
WPTV has crews at the scene and will continue to bring you the latest developments on air and online.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
