A NetJets business aircraft crashed on a Texas highway near Laredo, killing at least one person as motorists rushed to rescue passengers from the burning wreckage.
NetJets Aircraft Crashes On Texas Highway
A business jet crashed onto a highway in Texas late on June 16, leaving at least one person dead and prompting a quick rescue effort by passing motorists.
The aircraft, identified as a Cessna Citation Latitude twin-engine jet, came down on Loop 20 near Laredo shortly after 10 pm. The jet was carrying six people and had reportedly departed from Los Cabos International Airport in Mexico earlier in the evening.
Bystanders Rush To Rescue Passengers
Soon after the crash, the aircraft caught fire, creating a tense situation on the highway. Several motorists stopped their vehicles and rushed toward the damaged jet before emergency crews reached the spot.
According to witness accounts, people at the scene tried to break the cockpit window from outside while those inside the aircraft also attempted to escape. Moments later, the aircraft door opened, and some occupants managed to come out.
Three people, believed to be teenagers, reportedly escaped from the jet, followed by another person who appeared to be the pilot. Another crew member then tried to help pull out a person who appeared to be unconscious.
One Dead, Officers Treated For Smoke Inhalation
Authorities confirmed that at least one person died in the crash. However, officials had not immediately confirmed whether the deceased person was on board the aircraft or on the ground when the incident took place.
Police said there were no immediate reports of injuries among people on the highway. However, five police officers were taken to the hospital after suffering smoke inhalation while responding to the burning wreckage.
Crash Cause Under Investigation
The exact cause of the crash has not yet been confirmed. Investigators are expected to examine whether the aircraft suffered a technical problem, attempted an emergency landing, or encountered another issue before coming down on the highway.
Private aviation company NetJets confirmed that the aircraft belonged to its fleet and said it was cooperating with authorities. Federal and local investigators are expected to inspect the wreckage and review flight details in the coming days.
The incident has raised questions about what led the business jet to crash near a public road. More details are likely to emerge after investigators complete their initial assessment.
