A private jet crashed and caught fire on a busy Texas highway, resulting in one fatality as motorists hurried to break the plane’s windows in an attempt to rescue passengers. The incident occurred on the Loop 20 highway in Laredo around 10 pm local time on Tuesday, with the aircraft carrying six individuals.
Witnesses observed the small plane overturned with flames engulfing the rear and a thick plume of smoke billowing after it struck a barrier on the highway, causing the tail to detach from the fuselage. It was uncertain whether the deceased person was onboard the plane or on the ground, and no ground injuries were immediately reported, although five officers were treated for smoke inhalation.
FlightAware data indicated that the aircraft involved was a Cessna Citation Latitude twin jet that departed from Los Cabos International Airport in Mexico at 6:19 pm local time. The cause of the crash remains undetermined.
Zayra Garza, a passenger driving her coworkers home, witnessed someone inside the plane attempting to break the cockpit window for escape. Subsequently, bystanders abandoned their vehicles to assist in breaking the window from outside. Garza’s husband also joined the rescue efforts before the plane’s door opened.
Several individuals, including apparent teenagers and a presumed pilot, emerged from the plane, with a crew member trying to extract an unconscious person. Garza described the scene as resembling a movie, expressing concern about the potential fire hazard.
NetJets confirmed the involvement of one of its aircraft in the crash and is cooperating with authorities. The company, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, enables individuals to purchase fractional ownership in private jets.