New images circulated on social media revealed the dramatic moments leading up to the plane crash that occurred on Friday near Boca Raton Airport, Florida, in which three people died and one more was injured.
The small plane, which witnesses reported had mechanical failures, circled the area before crashing to the ground, causing an explosion visible from several points in the city. Videos recorded by citizens show how the aircraft struggles to stabilize before the impact.
“This was my best friend, and her father was piloting the plane along with her grandfather. I can’t believe I lost her,” wrote a user on the Instagram site ‘Only in Dade’, sparking thousands of condolence reactions.
Other witnesses, such as @sam_miller561, described hearing strange noises in the engine moments before the accident.
The incident has sparked a wave of comments regarding the safety of these private flights, as well as theories about a possible engine failure or issues with the rudder. "It was clear that the pilot did everything to save her," remarked another user with aviation experience.
Authorities continue to investigate the exact causes of the incident. Meanwhile, the local community mourns the loss of life and reflects on the risks associated with flying in small planes.
Timeline of events
10:12 a.m. – The first report of the accident is received: a small plane crashes into a car, causing a fire.
10:17 a.m. – It is confirmed that the plane had reported mechanical issues while approaching the airport. BRFR was already in a "state of alert" due to this prior report.
10:32 a.m. – A first update is issued stating that two people have died at the scene.
10:46 a.m. – It has been confirmed that the number of fatalities has risen to three people.
10:49 a.m. – Information is provided regarding the closure of streets in the area of the accident, including the exit from Interstate 95 (I-95) at Glades Road.
10:52 a.m. – Firefighters continue to work intensively in the area, using foam extinguishing equipment to control the fire.
The quick action of the Fire Department allowed them to contain the fire before it spread beyond the point of impact.
Impact on traffic and road closures
The accident had significant consequences on the city's mobility. The Boca Raton Police Department has announced complete closures in several key areas and urged drivers to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.
Authorities confirmed that multiple factors will be investigated: the aircraft's maintenance, weather conditions, the pilot's experience, and potential technical failures.
The incident occurred just a few hours after a helicopter carrying a family of Spanish tourists crashed into the Hudson River. In that case, a couple, their three minor children, and the pilot of the aircraft lost their lives.
Since the beginning of the year, the United States has recorded an increasing number of air accidents of all types, many of them resulting in fatalities.
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