Plane Crash in South Florida Kills Three People/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A small Cessna plane crashed near Boca Raton, Florida on Friday, killing all three people on board and injuring one person in a nearby car. The fiery crash caused road closures and pushed a vehicle onto nearby train tracks, prompting a federal investigation. Witnesses described an explosion and fireball moments after takeoff.
Florida Plane Crash Near I-95: Quick Looks
- A Cessna 310 crashed shortly after takeoff from Boca Raton Airport around 10:20 a.m. Friday.
- All three passengers on the plane died, and one person in a nearby car was injured.
- The crash sent a fireball through the area and pushed a car onto railroad tracks, shutting down nearby roads and rails.
- The plane was bound for Tallahassee when it went down near Interstate 95.
- Witnesses reported hearing an explosion and seeing palm trees catch fire near the site.
- Nearby driver Josh Orsino said it felt like “a car crash or oil rig explosion” and rushed to get off the overpass.
- Miguel Coka, who works nearby, said the rumble shook his building; he captured smoke and flames on video.
- The FAA and NTSB are investigating; the NTSB is leading the probe.
- Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer expressed condolences and urged patience as investigations continue.
- The crash comes one day after a NYC helicopter accident killed six, including five tourists.
Plane Crash in South Florida Kills Three People
Deep Look
BOCA RATON, Fla. — A tragic plane crash in South Florida on Friday morning killed three people and injured one more after the aircraft fell from the sky near Boca Raton Airport, erupted into a fireball, and shoved a car onto nearby train tracks.
According to Boca Raton Fire Rescue, the small Cessna 310 aircraft crashed just after 10 a.m., moments after taking off en route to Tallahassee. All three individuals on board were killed. One person in a vehicle near the crash site was injured by the fiery impact.
“We’re just sitting there, and I see the palm trees start catching on fire,” said Josh Orsino, 31, who was stopped at a red light when the plane came down. “My first instinct was like, I got to get off this bridge.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the aircraft’s departure and model, while fire officials reported the plane forced a nearby car onto railroad tracks, leading to closures in the area, including parts of Interstate 95 and rail service in the vicinity.
Eyewitness Chaos
Orsino and other witnesses described panic and confusion. Drivers on the overpass began honking and trying to reverse as the flames and smoke rose around them.
Nearby office worker Miguel Coka, 51, said he was used to seeing planes fly low near the airport — but this one looked and sounded different.
“There was a rumble and everyone in the building felt it,” said Coka, who filmed the aftermath from his office balcony.
Officials Respond, Investigation Underway
Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer called the crash a devastating event for the community.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event,” Singer said. “We ask for patience and respect for the families involved.”
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now jointly investigating the crash, with the NTSB taking the lead in determining what caused the midair failure and explosion.
Recent Aviation Accidents Raise Safety Questions
The South Florida crash follows another fatal aviation incident just one day earlier in New York City, where a sightseeing helicopter fell apart mid-flight, plunging into the Hudson River and killing all six people aboard.
Both tragedies have renewed concerns over aviation safety, particularly for small aircraft and recreational or sightseeing flights, which often operate with more limited oversight and equipment compared to commercial jets.
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