A business jet has crashed in a residential neighbourhood in Florida, United States, killing all nine people on board.
The Learjet aircraft crashed near Cresthaven at about 12:50 p.m. local time, erupting into a massive fireball close to homes and a major roadway.
United States Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the deaths, expressing condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
“Please join me in praying for the families and loved ones of those we lost,” Duffy said.
The aircraft had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was heading to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas when the crash occurred.
Footage of the incident showed the aircraft plunging nose-first from the sky before exploding into a huge fireball close to passing vehicles.
The crash reportedly left a large crater in the pavement, with the aircraft appearing to narrowly miss nearby homes.
It was not immediately clear whether anyone on the ground was injured.
A woman working in the area said electricity had been out for approximately two hours following the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation, while authorities are expected to establish what caused the aircraft to go down.
Further details about the identities of the victims and the extent of damage to nearby properties were not immediately available.
