NAPLES, FL – A small airplane crumbled onto Florida’s Interstate 75 after reportedly suffering from dual engine failure, killing at least two people and injuring an unknown number of survivors, revealed authorities. The unfortunate incident took place near Naples at around 3:15 p.m. Eastern Time, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The plane crash-landed on the highway and collided with a vehicle as reported by the Florida Highway Patrol. Two fatalities in the crash have been confirmed by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
Three survivors, seen fleeing the wreck as documented by a video taken by a bystander, are expected to recover, according to the Naples Airport. Alongside this, the FAA added that five people were aboard the Bombardier Challenger 600 jet during this tragic event.
The plane’s journey started at Ohio State University Airport in Columbus, Ohio, as reported by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Preliminary reports reveal that the pilot raised alarm about a dual engine failure as the airplane was on its way to Naples airport, NTSB reported.
The NTSB is thoroughly probing into the crash, deploying more investigators who’ll reach the scene by Saturday to study the wreck. A preliminary report of the crash is expected within a month, as per the NTSB.
In the immediately following aftermath of the crash, the area was ablaze and engulfed by a rising cloud of black smoke. Joe Robinson, a bystander who was driving northbound on Interstate 75 during the incident, shared the chaotic scene of a private jet swallowed by flames and a damaged truck off the highway.