The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
'Like a missile coming down': DeSantis addresses deadly jet crash as 600 face evacuation
Standing in the pouring rain, Gov. Ron DeSantis likened the deadly Learjet crash to a missile as officials warned of widespread disruptions to the community.
A Learjet crashed into a Palm Beach County roadway, triggering a fiery scene and a heavy emergency response as officials described the event from a rain-soaked news conference outside a nearby beauty supply store.
Officials confirmed all nine people aboard the aircraft were killed, with authorities noting a large debris field and a fire that sent flames and thick black smoke into the sky.
Local leaders announced that about 600 residents of a nearby mobile home community were being relocated because the neighborhood entrance sits next to the crash site, which is described as a crime scene being investigated.
The impact on the roadway is expected to be extensive, with the southbound side of Military Trail projected to remain closed for at least a month as investigators assess the wreckage and repair damaged infrastructure; two shelters were being prepared and transportation assistance arranged for evacuees.
Federal investigators are expected to arrive on the scene, and the FAA noted the Learjet departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (Texas) and was en route to North Eleuthera Airport (Bahamas) at the time of the crash.
Governor Ron DeSantis joined Palm Beach County officials at the news conference, noting the rapid emergency response and indicating that road closures and the investigation could affect residents and motorists for days to come. He commented that the descent appeared abnormal but did not state a cause.