Private jet crashes in Palm Beach County, killing nine aboard

A private business jet traveling from Texas to the Bahamas crashed in a residential area of Palm Beach County, Florida, killing all nine people aboard, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local officials, FOX 35 Orlando reported.

The Learjet 60 departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was headed to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas when it crashed around 12:50 p.m. Sunday near Cresthaven, Florida, the FAA said.

The crash forced hundreds of nearby residents to evacuate the area. First responders from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department and county fire rescue arrived at the scene immediately. The plane left a large crater and scattered debris across the neighborhood.

Federal authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or determined the cause of the crash. Investigators are leading the probe to establish what triggered the accident. It is unclear if anyone on the ground was injured by falling debris.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference near the crash site to address the incident. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also commented on the tragedy via social media, describing it as horrific.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, with federal officials working to determine the official cause.