BOCA RATON, Fla. — A tragic incident occurred Thursday morning when a small twin-engine Cessna 310 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Boca Raton Airport, leading to the deaths of three individuals aboard and leaving another bystander injured. The plane, en route to Tallahassee, attempted to return to the airport for an emergency landing due to mechanical issues, but crashed along Military Trail around 10:12 a.m., causing a fierce explosion.
Witnesses near the scene described a loud noise and severe shaking moments before seeing smoke and fire erupt from the crash site. The downed plane ignited a massive blaze that spread rapidly across the area, narrowly avoiding moving vehicles but causing one car to crash into a tree after driving through a fireball generated by the explosion.
Boca Raton Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Michael LaSalle reported the aircraft appeared to have technical difficulties leading to its crash west of I-95, near the Town Center Mall. Emergency teams responded swiftly to the site, which was shadowed by plumes of smoke visible from several miles away.
Authorities confirmed the three fatalities occurred among the plane’s passengers and have yet to release their identities pending family notifications. An individual on the ground suffered injuries described as non-life-threatening and received immediate medical attention.
The National Transportation Safety Board has taken charge of the investigation to determine the specific causes behind the mechanical failures leading to this tragic event. As part of their initial findings, eyewitnesses explained that the plane struggled to stabilize and make a safe landing, circling the area while continuously managing rudder issues that limited its maneuverability to only left turns.
Mayor Scott Singer expressed his condolences, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and all affected by this heartbreaking incident. The community mourns the loss of life and hopes for a swift recovery for the injured.”
The crash prompted extensive road closures along North Military Trail between Northwest 19th Street and Butts Road, causing significant traffic delays and disruptions. Although the I-95 overpass at Glades Road was temporarily shut, it has since been reopened.
Boca Raton Police and local traffic authorities advised drivers to avoid the crash vicinity, which might remain restricted for ongoing investigative and recovery efforts. The area’s heavy presence of emergency responders and road closures are expected to impact local traffic patterns severely.
Local schools and institutions, including Boca Raton Community High School, assured parents and staff of the safety of all on their campuses, despite the anticipated congestion and delays in district-run transportation.
As the community reels from this unexpected tragedy, public transportation services like Tri-Rail announced adjustments, using shuttle buses to connect passengers to the nearest operational stations and expecting some delays in the schedule.
This incident has deeply affected the Boca Raton community, casting a solemn mood over the city as authorities work to untangle the sequence of events that led to such a catastrophic outcome. The continuing investigation will seek to bring clarity and answers to the many lingering questions surrounding this tragic event.