A chilling scene unfolded Sunday night at Bangor International Airport in Maine, as a private business jet crashed moments after attempting takeoff. Authorities now believe all those aboard – eight individuals in total – have perished in the devastating accident.
The tragedy occurred against the backdrop of Winter Storm Fern, a ferocious weather system sweeping across the United States. Fern has unleashed widespread chaos, grounding flights, paralyzing roadways, and leaving millions without power as darkness descends.
Initial reports from the Federal Aviation Administration indicated a flight crew member sustained serious injuries, while the seven passengers were listed as fatalities. However, local authorities cautioned against relying on preliminary information.
Bangor Police released a statement acknowledging conflicting reports circulating, emphasizing that details were still unconfirmed. Their investigation suggests six people were on the flight, and crucially, no one was transported from the crash site for medical attention.
The aircraft went down around 7:45 p.m. local time, under circumstances that remain unclear. Witnesses described the jet overturning violently and immediately erupting into flames, a horrifying spectacle against the stormy night sky.
Bangor International Airport has been closed since the incident, causing significant disruptions to air travel. Numerous flights have been canceled or diverted, adding to the widespread travel woes already caused by the winter storm.
The identities of those lost in the crash are being withheld as authorities work to make positive identifications and notify families. The investigation is ongoing, seeking to understand the sequence of events that led to this heartbreaking tragedy.
The crash serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the inherent risks of air travel, particularly during severe weather conditions. The entire region is grappling with the aftermath of the storm and the loss of life.
