Two dead after private plane crashes into cars on Naples highway: Pilot of plane flying from Ohio to Fort Lauderdale sent Mayday warning that both engines were 'off' before plunging into traffic
A private plane with five people on board crashed into cars on a Florida highway, causing a massive explosion and killing at least two people.
Video footage taken by drivers shows the aftermath of the crash Friday afternoon, showing blazing flames coming from the plane as a brave bystander rushes toward the smoke.
The crash occurred on I-75 in Collier County near Pine Ridge Rd.
There were five people aboard the Bombardier Challenger 600 plane, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Collier County Sheriff's Office said two aboard the plane were dead.
According to the communications director at Naples airport, the three other passengers made it out alive. Their condition is unclear.
The pilot had reported that both engines had failed as he prepared to land – before he crashed onto Interstate 75 near Naples around 3:15 p.m. and collided with vehicles on the road.
According to FlightAware data, the flight was from Ohio State to Naples Airport. The plane was owned by Hop-a-Jet, a Florida-based private charter company.
All southbound lanes are reportedly closed for 24 hours. There is a large police and emergency response.
More to come.
A private plane crashed into a vehicle on a Florida highway, causing a massive explosion
Video footage taken by drivers shows the aftermath of the accident, revealing burning flames coming from the plane as a brave bystander rushes towards the smoke
The plane, a Bombardier Challenger 600 with capacity for up to 14 people, reportedly lost an engine before the massive crash
According to FlightAware data, the flight was from Ohio State to Naples Airport
It is unclear how many people were on board and whether there were any casualties
The incident occurred on I-75 in Collier County near Pine Ridge Rd