Multiple individuals lost their lives in a tragic airplane crash in the Bahamas, resulting in 10 fatalities and leading to the temporary suspension of Flamingo Air flights by the government.
The fatal incident occurred in North Andros, situated in the waters just west of Nassau, the capital of the archipelago.
Initially, Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis mentioned that one person survived the crash, but sadly, that individual succumbed to their injuries. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed to the public.
Expressing deep sorrow, Prime Minister Davis acknowledged the somber cloud hanging over the Bahamas as the nation was commemorating its 53rd independence anniversary. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families who received the devastating news that their loved ones would not return home.
The Bahamian Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority released a statement indicating that the ill-fated flight had taken off from Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau en route to San Andros before the tragic crash. The aircraft involved was identified as a Cessna 402 registered in the Bahamas.
Following two safety incidents on Friday, the Ministry of Energy, Utilities, and Aviation issued a statement clarifying that the grounding of Flamingo Air’s air operator certificate was a precautionary measure while investigations into the crash’s cause are ongoing.
During a press briefing, Energy, Utilities, and Aviation Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis detailed the first incident involving a Flamingo Air plane on the same day. The aircraft was heading to Mayaguana when the pilot reported an issue and returned to Nassau. After landing and disembarking passengers, the plane caught fire, leading to a separate investigation into that incident.