Private jet split in two after crashing on Texas highway
Two people died and four others were hospitalized after a private plane crashed on a highway in Laredo, Texas
Two people died and four others were injured after a private plane crashed Tuesday night on a highway in Laredo, Texas.
Initially, local authorities had reported one fatality, but the balance was updated on Wednesday morning to confirm two deaths.
Laredo Police indicated that they received the report of the accident around 10:00 p.m. m.
So far, the identities of the people on board have not been released.
The aircraft was traveling from Mexico to Austin and diverted its route
According to flight tracking information cited by authorities and aeronautical records, the plane involved was a Cessna Citation Latitude with registration N523QS.
The aircraft had taken off from San José del Cabo, in Mexico, and was scheduled to land in Austin, Texas.
However, during the journey he diverted his route towards Laredo.
The flight record concludes over the Bob Bullock Loop area, corresponding to state highway Loop 20.
The authorities indicated that the plane hit the road, moved across the asphalt, hit lighting structures and ended up divided into two parts on the central separator.
The presence of fuel on the road was also reported, which forced additional cleaning and control tasks to be carried out in the area.
Witnesses assisted in the rescue as the investigation continues
Videos captured at the scene showed witnesses and emergency crews approaching the aircraft after the impact.
According to reports released later, some people helped open access to the plane to facilitate the exit of survivors.
Authorities also reported that a vehicle traveling on the road was partially hit during the accident.
Additionally, at least five response team members received medical attention for smoke inhalation.
Laredo Police warned that the affected stretch of Loop 20 would remain closed for several hours.
The private aviation company NetJets confirmed that the aircraft involved belongs to its fleet and indicated that it is cooperating with the authorities.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the investigation will be led by the National Transportation Safety Board with federal support.
Authorities also indicated that agents from the FBI and other agencies participated in the initial work at the scene.
At this time, the cause of the accident has not been determined and the investigation continues.