LAREDO, Texas — Drivers and emergency responders rushed to assist survivors after a private jet crashed onto a highway near the Texas-Mexico border, killing one person and injuring several others, authorities said.
The business jet, a Cessna Citation Latitude operated by NetJets, crashed on Loop 20 in Laredo at about 10 p.m. on June 16 after reporting mechanical problems while attempting to reach Laredo International Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and local officials. The aircraft had departed from San José del Cabo, Mexico, and was bound for Austin, Texas.
Laredo police said six people were aboard the aircraft when it went down. One person on the plane died, while the remaining occupants were transported to hospitals for treatment. Authorities also said a vehicle traveling on the highway was struck during the incident, and its driver was hospitalized in stable condition.
Videos from the scene showed motorists stopping their vehicles and running toward the wreckage as flames engulfed part of the aircraft. Witnesses and first responders attempted to free passengers trapped inside the damaged jet, with some using tools including a sledgehammer and shovel to try to gain access through the cockpit area.
“A lot of citizens stepped up to help,” Jose Baeza, an investigator with the Laredo Police Department, told reporters following the crash. Officials said bystanders assisted alongside police officers and firefighters during the rescue effort.
According to airport officials, the crew had alerted authorities shortly before the crash that the aircraft was experiencing difficulties. The jet came down on the highway less than two miles from the airport, authorities said. Debris was scattered across several lanes, forcing the closure of the roadway.
NetJets, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, confirmed that one of its aircraft was involved in the accident. The company expressed condolences to those affected and said it was cooperating fully with investigators.
Federal investigators have begun examining the wreckage and reviewing flight data and communications. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, with support from the Federal Aviation Administration. Officials have not determined the cause of the crash, and details regarding the reported mechanical issues remain unclear.
Laredo Mayor Victor Treviño urged the public to avoid speculation while investigators conduct their work. As of Thursday, authorities had not released the identity of the person who died pending notification of family members, and the investigation remained ongoing.
