In brief
A private jet broke apart on a Texas motorway after reporting mechanical trouble, killing one of its six occupants. Bystanders, armed with a shovel and a sledgehammer, assisted first responders in extracting passengers from the wreckage. Five survivors were taken to hospitals in stable condition, while the crash forced the closure of Loop 20. The incident is under investigation by the FBI and the NTSB.
5 hours ago – Ana Faguy
Nearly a dozen bystanders and first responders rushed to the scene of a private jet crash on a Texas motorway on Tuesday to help free trapped passengers.
Using what appeared to be a shovel and a sledgehammer, the passers‑by and emergency officials helped several passengers escape through an opened door, video shows.
The aircraft, flying from Los Cabos, Mexico, to Austin, Texas, reported major mechanical issues to Laredo airport, said the airport’s director, Gilberto Sanchez, to the New York Times.
One of the six people on board died in the crash, police said. The five survivors were taken to hospital and are in a stable condition.
The deceased has yet to be identified.
One vehicle was struck by the aircraft as it crashed onto the motorway, though it is unclear what part of the plane struck the vehicle, said Jose Baeza, an investigator with Laredo Police Department.
Videos of the aftermath shared on social media show thick smoke and flames surrounding the plane. Five first responders were ultimately treated for smoke inhalation, said Baeza.
The crash happened near Laredo airport, about 240 km (150 m) southwest of San Antonio.
The crash has forced the major motorway, Loop 20, to shut down while the investigation proceeds. Baeza said it was expected to remain shut to traffic on Wednesday as the investigation, which will include the FBI and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), continues.
