Rescue efforts begin after crash on Texas highway private plane crashA fire broke out, with passengers trapped inside, prompting bystanders and first responders to rush toward the wreckage to try to pull survivors to safety.
Video from the scene shared by witnesses and later confirmed by NBC News showed civilians using tools to break into the damaged plane as smoke billowed from the wreckage.
Authorities confirmed that one person died in the accident.
Video captures frantic rescue efforts
The accident happened Tuesday night on Loop 20 in Laredo. Texaswhen a Cessna 680A business jet crashed on the highway and caught fire.
The plane eventually rolled onto its side and appeared to be severely damaged, with flames engulfing part of the fuselage.
Bystanders and first responders rushed to the wreckage as the fire spread. The video shows two men armed with shovels and sledgehammers banging on the cockpit glass and trying to pry open a door.
Several passengers were later seen climbing out of the plane while firefighters battled the blaze nearby.
In another video released by police, first responders can be seen dousing burning debris leaning against a highway divider. At times, police who helped keep exits open were forced to retreat due to the thick smoke.
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One person dies after car accident
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the plane crashed south of Laredo around 10 p.m. local time with six people on board.
The plane took off from San Jose del Cabo, Mexicoheading to Austin, Texas.
Laredo Police Department Investigator Jose Baeza confirmed that one of the six people on board died. Baeza told reporters at a news conference that it was “regrettable and tragic” that one passenger lost his life.
Officials have not disclosed the identity of the deceased, pending notification of family members.
Five first responders were also treated for smoke inhalation, according to officials.
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What caused the crash?
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The FAA said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation with assistance from federal agencies.
Baeza said FBI investigators were on the scene and more federal agents were expected to join the investigation. Authorities are also asking the public to submit any video or dashcam footage that might help investigators determine what happened.
Mayor urges public not to speculate
Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino expressed his condolences to those affected and urged the public to give investigators time to determine the facts.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones affected by the recent private jet crash,” Trevino said in a statement Wednesday.
The mayor warned against drawing conclusions until the investigation is complete. “Aviation investigations take time and it is important that we avoid speculation while gathering the facts,” he said.
Trevino also praised the response of police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel to the incident, saying he witnessed firsthand their professionalism and dedication at the scene.
The crash forced Loop 20 to be closed in both directions while investigators continued their work.
