LAREDO, Texas — A business jet carrying six people crashed onto a highway in Laredo, Texas, late on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring several others after the aircraft apparently encountered difficulties while attempting to reach a nearby airport, authorities said.
The aircraft, identified by officials as a Cessna Citation Latitude operated by NetJets, came down on Loop 20 shortly after 10 p.m. local time on June 16, according to the Laredo Police Department and emergency responders. The crash caused a fire and led to the closure of the highway in both directions as rescue crews and investigators secured the scene.
Police investigator Jose Baeza said emergency personnel responded immediately after reports of an aircraft down on the roadway. Authorities said six people were aboard the jet. One occupant died, while the remaining five were transported to hospitals and were reported to be in stable condition, according to local officials.
A vehicle traveling on the highway was also involved in the incident after being struck during or shortly after the crash, authorities said. The driver was hospitalized and later reported to be in stable condition. Several police officers assisting with rescue efforts were treated for smoke inhalation, officials added.
Videos recorded by witnesses and verified by local media showed motorists stopping their vehicles and rushing toward the wreckage. Some bystanders used tools to break through the cockpit window and assist trapped occupants before firefighters gained access to the aircraft.
“People immediately stepped in to help before first responders arrived,” local authorities said during briefings following the crash. Officials praised the actions of civilians while urging the public to avoid speculation about the cause of the accident.
According to authorities, the aircraft had departed from San José del Cabo, Mexico, and was bound for Austin, Texas. Officials said the flight declared an emergency and diverted toward Laredo International Airport before crashing short of its intended destination. Details regarding the nature of the reported emergency remain unclear.
NetJets confirmed that one of its aircraft was involved in the accident and said it was cooperating fully with investigators. The company expressed condolences to those affected and said support teams had been activated for passengers and families.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have opened investigations into the crash. Authorities have not publicly identified the person who died, pending notification of next of kin. As of Wednesday, portions of Loop 20 remained affected as investigators continued documenting the scene and collecting evidence.
