A private business jet carrying eight people crashed shortly after takeoff at Bangor International Airport in the United States on Sunday evening, amid a powerful winter storm that has disrupted air travel across much of the country.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 600, went down at approximately 7:45 pm local time. The jet was attempting to depart from Bangor when the incident occurred. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the condition of those on board.
Bangor International Airport said emergency response teams were already on site and immediately launched rescue and safety operations following the crash. The airport was temporarily shut down, and all runways were closed as a precaution.
In a statement posted on social media, airport officials said, “An incident at the airport is under investigation. First responder teams are on scene and assessing the situation. Please avoid traveling to the airport at this time.”
According to a report by CNN, the aircraft was registered to a Houston-based limited liability corporation. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, though adverse weather conditions are believed to have played a significant role.
Videos of the incident have surfaced on social media. One eyewitness wrote on Facebook that their flight from Florida had landed on an uncleared runway shortly before the crash. “We are all safe, but we just saw an eight-person plane crash behind us. Please pray for everyone on board,” the witness said.
The crash occurred as the United States grapples with a massive winter storm that has severely impacted air travel nationwide. According to flight-tracking website FlightAware, more than 12,000 flights were canceled on Sunday, while nearly 20,000 others were delayed.
Major airports in Philadelphia, Washington DC, Baltimore, North Carolina, New York, and New Jersey have also reported widespread disruptions due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions.
Bangor International Airport, located approximately 320 kilometers north of Boston, offers direct flights to cities including Orlando, Washington DC, and destinations in North Carolina.
Federal authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and further details are awaited.
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