Boca Raton, Fla. — A tragic incident occurred Wednesday morning when a small Cessna 310 airplane, en route to Tallahassee from Boca Raton Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in three fatalities and one injury. Fire officials reported that the crash happened at about 10:12 a.m. along Military Trail, igniting a fire on impact.
According to authorities, the pilot attempted an emergency return to the airport due to a mechanical problem but failed to make it back, causing the aircraft to go down onto the train tracks just west of Interstate 95 near the Town Center Mall. “We received a distress call about a plane in trouble. Our response teams were dispatched immediately to the crash site which was already engulfed in flames by the time we arrived,” explained Assistant Fire Chief Michael LaSalle of Boca Raton Fire Rescue.
An eyewitness at the scene described the moment of the crash as shocking, recalling the loud noise and violent shaking of nearby buildings followed by thick smoke. Lynn University student Jared Scarpato, who also witnessed the incident, stated, “The plane was struggling to land safely. It kept circling, apparently unable to make any right turns, indicating a possible rudder issue.”
Boca Raton Fire Rescue confirmed that, apart from the passengers, a bystander on the ground also suffered injuries. This individual was reportedly navigating their vehicle through a fireball caused by the crash and subsequently collided with a tree. The injuries, however, were said to be non-life-threatening.
The identity and ages of the deceased have yet to be released as officials are likely waiting to notify next of kin. The National Transportation Safety Board has taken charge of the investigation to determine the precise cause of the mechanical failure.
Mayor Scott Singer expressed his condolences, saying, “This is a heartbreaking tragedy. The city’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of those lost and everyone impacted by this devastating event.”
Traffic impacts are extensive in the area surrounding the crash site. Boca Raton Police have announced road closures along North Military Trail between Northwest 19th Street and Butts Road, expected to last into the night. Meanwhile, the I-95 overpass at Glades Road, which was temporarily closed, has since reopened.
To mitigate disruptions, the Tri-Rail service announced it will utilize buses to transport passengers between stations affected by the incident. “We anticipate some delays, but trains will continue to run on schedule where possible,” a Tri-Rail spokesperson stated.
Boca Raton Community High School has reassured parents and staff that although emergency responders have congested the area, all on campus are safe. They cautioned that road closures could lead to heavier than usual traffic and potentially delay district-run transport services.
As the community reels from the impact of this tragic accident, continued updates and support will be crucial in facilitating recovery and providing closure to affected families and residents. The ongoing investigation will also be pivotal in preventing such incidents in the future, ensuring the safety of small aircraft travel.