1 Dead After Business Jet Crashes onto Highway and Catches Fire. Video Shows Bystanders Trying to Rescue Victims

A tragic incident unfolded late on June 16, when a business jet crashed onto a highway in Laredo, Texas, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. The flight, a Cessna Citation Latitude operated by NetJets, was en route from San José del Cabo, Mexico to Austin before being diverted to Laredo.

The Laredo Police Department (LPD) reported that the crash occurred around 10 p.m. local time on Loop 20, also known as the Bob Bullock Loop, near the City Hall annex. Initial reports indicate that six individuals were on board at the time of the incident. While one person did not survive, the five remaining occupants were rescued and subsequently transported to a local hospital for medical attention.

Eyewitness accounts paint a vivid picture of the chaos following the crash. Zayra Garza, an esthetician who witnessed the aftermath while travelling with colleagues, described the scene as surreal, likening it to something out of a film. “I was in shock,” she recalled, noting concerns that the plane could have exploded. Video footage from the scene captured by bystanders showed individuals attempting to aid those trapped inside, with some using tools to break into the cockpit.

LPD investigator Jose Baeza confirmed that police received a radio dispatch from the local airport tower just before the crash occurred. The team responded quickly, with some officers attempting to enter the aircraft to help rescue survivors. Unfortunately, a number of the responding officers were also treated for smoke inhalation at a nearby hospital.

The jet’s collision with the highway was not without further complications. A vehicle travelling southbound on Loop 20 was reportedly struck by debris from the plane, resulting in injuries. One occupant from that vehicle was taken to the hospital and is currently in stable condition.

According to flight data, the aircraft took off from San José del Cabo at approximately 6:18 p.m., only to face a dire situation as it approached Laredo. The flight had been diverted for reasons that have yet to be disclosed, and NetJets has stated it is collaborating with local authorities as investigations into the crash commence.

In a statement, NetJets confirmed the involvement of their aircraft in the accident, expressing concern for the well-being of the crew, passengers, and their families. The company has stated that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been alerted and is in the process of examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As the investigation gets underway, authorities have closed off Loop 20 in both directions at Saunders Street and Clark Boulevard to ensure the safety of the area and facilitate a thorough investigation. The LPD announced that the closure could last through most of the day, with traffic being diverted away from the scene.

This tragic event not only raises questions about the safety of air travel but also highlights the bravery of those who rushed to aid the victims amidst chaos. As details continue to emerge, the community remains in mourning as they process the loss and seek answers regarding the circumstances that led to this devastating aviation mishap.