Several Killed in Bahamas Plane Crash
Several people were killed after a small passenger aircraft crashed on North Andros in the Bahamas on Friday. Authorities have temporarily suspended Flamingo Air operations while investigators examine the cause of the fatal accident.
Small Plane Crashes on North Andros
The Cessna 402 aircraft departed Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau and was travelling to San Andros when it crashed.
A flight manifest indicated that 10 people were expected to be aboard the aircraft. However, authorities had not immediately released a confirmed passenger list or a final casualty count.
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis initially said one person had survived the crash. He later confirmed that the survivor died from their injuries.
Members of the Da Pond Band, a Bahamian musical group, were reportedly listed among those expected to be on the flight.
Flamingo Air Flights Temporarily Suspended
The Bahamas Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation temporarily suspended Flamingo Air’s air operator certificate as a precautionary safety measure.
Officials said the suspension followed two separate safety incidents involving the airline on the same day.
Earlier on Friday, another Flamingo Air aircraft travelling towards Mayaguana returned to Nassau after its pilot reported a concern. The aircraft reportedly caught fire after landing and after its passengers had disembarked safely.
Bahamas Plane Crash Investigation Begins
The Bahamian Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority has opened an investigation into the North Andros crash.
Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft’s maintenance records, operational history, weather conditions and communications with air traffic controllers.
Authorities had not publicly identified the victims or disclosed preliminary findings about what caused the aircraft to go down.
The crash occurred as the Bahamas marked its 53rd anniversary of independence, with the prime minister describing the day of celebration as one of national mourning.
