A small plane crash in the Bahamas has killed 10 people, including nine passengers and a pilot. The aircraft crashed near San Andros Airport while completing a short flight from Nassau.
The tragic incident happened on the Bahamas’ 53rd independence anniversary. Officials described the day as one of celebration that turned into a period of national mourning.
Aircraft Crashes Before Landing in San Andros
The Cessna 402 aircraft took off from Lynden Pindling International Airport near Nassau. The plane was travelling toward San Andros Airport when it reportedly faced technical difficulties.
According to aviation officials, the aircraft crashed into bushes before reaching the runway. Emergency teams responded to the scene, but all people onboard died.
Authorities have not yet released the names, ages, or personal details of the passengers and pilot.
Investigation Begins After Fatal Accident
The aircraft was operated by Flamingo Air, a Bahamas-based airline. Following the crash, the Ministry of Aviation temporarily suspended the airline’s air operator certificate as a safety precaution.
Officials said the suspension does not represent a punishment or a finding of wrongdoing against the company. Instead, authorities said the step will allow them to review safety procedures during the investigation.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority has started examining the cause of the crash.
Earlier Safety Incident Raises Concerns
Officials also revealed that another aviation incident happened earlier on the same day.
A Flamingo Air flight reportedly returned to Nassau after the pilot noticed a problem during the journey. After passengers safely left the aircraft, a fire started on the plane after it landed.
The aviation ministry said it was reviewing the situation as part of wider safety checks.
Nation Mourns After Independence Day Tragedy
Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis expressed sadness over the accident. He said the country’s independence celebration had become a day of mourning.
“Today is a day of celebration but it has become a day of mourning,” Davis said during a media conference.
Flamingo Air said it is collecting information about the accident and will cooperate fully with the authorities investigating the crash.
The investigation will focus on the aircraft condition, weather conditions, pilot actions, and other possible factors that may have caused the tragedy.
