TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Survivors of a plane crash on I-75 in Florida managed to escape before the aircraft exploded, according to a report released by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash occurred on Feb. 9 when a business jet experienced engine failure and crashed onto the highway, killing both pilots. Despite striking two vehicles on I-75, no severe injuries were reported on the ground.
The incident report, obtained by 8 On Your Side, detailed the account of Stewardess Sydney Bosman, 27, of Jupiter, Florida. Bosman recalled that the pilots warned her and the passengers to brace for impact before the crash.
Following the crash, Bosmans was able to open a rear door and lead two passengers to safety before the plane erupted in flames. All three survivors sustained minor injuries and were treated at a hospital in Naples.
Tragically, the two pilots did not survive the crash. They were identified as Edward Daniel Murphy, 50, of Oakland Park, Florida, and Ian Frederick Hofmann, 65, of Pompano Beach, Florida.
The crash serves as a harrowing reminder of the unpredictable dangers faced by air travelers and those on the ground, despite strict safety regulations and protocols in the aviation industry. It also highlights the remarkable resilience and quick thinking of the survivors amidst a life-threatening situation.
The investigation into the cause of the fatal crash is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the factors that led to the aircraft’s engine failure. As the community mourns the loss of the pilots and reflects on the harrowing nature of the incident, the survivors’ courage and resilience serve as a testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity.