Business jet crashes in Florida killing all nine on board

A business jet crashed in a Florida neighborhood on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of all nine people on board, according to US transport secretary Sean Duffy. The crash occurred near Cresthaven, approximately nine miles from Mar-a-Lago, the presidential resort in Palm Beach County, at around 12:50 EST (17:50 GMT). Eyewitnesses captured images of a large crater in a residential road, with debris and fire scattered across the area.

The aircraft had taken off from Austin, Texas, and was en route to the Bahamas. Transport Secretary Duffy characterized the incident as a "horrific tragedy" and pledged that the Federal Aviation Administration would send a team to assist the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office reported that the crash happened in the vicinity of Military Trail, between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North, and advised motorists to avoid the area.

The sheriff's office also declared a mass casualty incident, as Palm Beach County Fire Rescue responded to the scene. Details regarding the individuals aboard the jet and any potential ground casualties are still unknown. This ongoing news story will be updated with additional information as it becomes available.