Three people lost their lives after a small aircraft crashed and erupted into flames along a busy street just outside Boca Raton, Florida, on Friday, according to CNN.
The twin-engine Cessna 310 went down shortly after takeoff from Boca Raton Airport at around 10:20 a.m. The plane was en route to Tallahassee, but experienced trouble mid-flight. Boca Raton Fire and Police dispatch received an emergency call about a distressed aircraft at 10:12 a.m., said Assistant Fire Chief Michael LaSalle.
“All three people who were onboard the aircraft were killed,” LaSalle confirmed.
In addition to the fatalities, a man driving nearby sustained non-life-threatening injuries after his car hit a tree due to debris and fire from the crash. He was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer issued a statement expressing condolences:
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that a plane crash occurred earlier today within our community.”
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event. We ask for patience and respect for the families involved as investigations continue,” he added.
Preliminary data from FlightRadar24 showed the aircraft making repeated loops in the air before its final descent. Assistant Fire Chief LaSalle said the plane appeared to have “some mechanical issues.”
Witnesses described the terrifying moment on social media.
“I heard it like zooming by a couple of times and then whew – a plane crashed,” said one.
“The whole building shook,” another added.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full investigation into the incident.