A Flamingo Air Cessna 402 crashed in brush in the Bahamas on Friday, killing nine passengers and the pilot. The disaster occurred on the 53rd anniversary of the country's independence.
The aircraft had taken off from Lynden Pindling International Airport, located near the capital Nassau, bound for San Andros Airport. According to the Bahamas Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority, the plane "reportedly encountered difficulties" before crashing in brush on approach to landing.
Prime Minister Philip Davis, speaking at a press conference, initially announced that one passenger had survived. He confirmed a few hours later that this person had succumbed to their injuries. The final death toll is therefore ten. The names and ages of the victims have not yet been released.
“Today is a day of celebration, but it has become a day of mourning,” said Philip Davis. He added, “Once again, a chapter in our nation’s history has been marked by tragedy.”
The Cessna 402 belonged to Flamingo Air, an airline based in the Bahamas. Following the crash, the Ministry of Aviation temporarily suspended the airline's air operator's certificate, clarifying, however, that this measure "should not be interpreted as an adverse compliance action against Flamingo Air."
The ministry also reported that two safety incidents occurred on Friday. Aviation Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis indicated that another of the airline's aircraft had to turn back to Nassau earlier in the day after the pilot reported a problem. A fire then broke out on board after the aircraft had landed and the passengers had been evacuated.
Flamingo Air said in a statement that "details are being collected" and that the company is committed to "cooperating with the relevant authorities".
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