One Dead, Five Rescued After NetJets Plane Crashes on Texas Highway
A NetJets business jet crashed on a Laredo, Texas highway, resulting in one fatality and five injuries. Bystanders bravely rescued passengers from the fiery wreckage, with authorities investigating the cause, potentially mechanical failure.
Key Highlights
- NetJets business jet crashed on Laredo, Texas highway.
- One passenger died, five others were injured in the crash.
- Bystanders performed daring rescues from the burning aircraft.
- Mechanical failure is a suspected cause of the crash.
- Authorities are investigating the incident, including the NTSB and FAA.
- The flight originated in Mexico and was en route to Austin, Texas.
A tragic incident unfolded on a highway in Laredo, Texas, when a NetJets business jet crashed late Tuesday evening, claiming one life and injuring five others. The Cessna Citation Latitude twin jet, operated by NetJets and owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, was en route from San José del Cabo, Mexico, to Austin, Texas, when it reportedly experienced mechanical issues and diverted to Laredo. The aircraft, carrying six individuals including two pilots, crashed on Loop 20, near the Texas-Mexico border, shortly after 10 p.m. local time.
Dashcam footage and bystander videos captured the dramatic scene as the jet struck a light post and a highway barrier, nearly shearing in half and bursting into flames upon impact. In a remarkable display of courage and quick thinking, several motorists abandoned their vehicles and rushed towards the burning wreckage. These good Samaritans used tools, including a sledgehammer and a shovel, to smash the cockpit windows and pry open the plane's door, successfully rescuing the surviving passengers and crew.
Authorities confirmed that one passenger succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. The remaining five occupants, identified as two pilots and three teenagers, were transported to local hospitals along with the driver of a vehicle that was struck by the aircraft. Fortunately, the individuals from the vehicle and the five survivors from the plane were reported to be in stable condition and have since been released from the hospital. Five responding police officers were also treated for smoke inhalation sustained during the rescue efforts.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were immediately notified and have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest potential mechanical failure, with the NTSB indicating that both engines flamed out before the crash, preventing the pilots from reaching the Laredo airport. This incident marks a significant event for NetJets, being its first fatal accident for a Part 91k fractional operator in the U.S. since at least 2006. The investigation is ongoing, with officials aiming to determine whether this was an isolated incident or indicative of a broader safety concern. The highway remained heavily closed for the investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of aircraft was involved in the Texas highway crash?
The aircraft involved was a NetJets Cessna Citation Latitude twin-engine business jet.
How many people were on board the plane and what were the casualties?
There were six people on board the NetJets aircraft. One passenger died in the crash, and five others, including the two pilots, sustained injuries.
What role did bystanders play in the incident?
Bystanders played a crucial role by immediately rushing to the burning wreckage to rescue the survivors. They used tools like sledgehammers and shovels to break the cockpit windows and pry open doors, helping passengers escape before the fire intensified.
What is the suspected cause of the crash?
Preliminary investigations suggest a possible mechanical failure, with reports indicating that both engines flamed out before the crash. The NTSB and FAA are conducting a full investigation.