Additional Coverage:
- 7 dead, 1 injured in private jet crash in Bangor, Maine (usatoday.com)
Tragic Plane Crash in Bangor Claims Seven Lives, Investigation Underway Amidst Harsh Weather
BANGOR, ME – A private jet crash at Bangor International Airport over the weekend resulted in seven fatalities and one serious injury, according to confirmation from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The fiery incident occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time on January 25 as the aircraft was departing.
Officials have not yet released the identities of those involved. However, a preliminary FAA report indicates that the injured individual was a flight crew member, while the seven deceased were passengers. The report describes the aircraft as having “crashed under unknown circumstances on departure, came to rest inverted and caught on fire.”
Federal investigators are facing significant delays in reaching the crash site due to heavy snow and ice from a severe winter storm impacting the region. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) spokesperson Sarah Taylor Sulick stated on January 26 that it could be at least another day before teams can access the scene. Sulick noted that even without the weather, the location of the assigned investigators would have caused a delay, but the current conditions are adding further time to their arrival.
Few other details have been made public, including the plane’s intended destination.
Bangor International Airport Remains Closed
Jose Saavedra, the airport’s director, held a news conference on January 26, announcing that the facility will remain closed until further notice. He confirmed that first responders, including the Bangor Fire Department, were on the scene within a minute of the crash.
Saavedra declined to disclose the plane’s destination or the identities of those on board, stating, “We are waiting for guidance and support from our federal partners before we can make any additional statements to not interfere with their investigation.” He did confirm that planes had been landing and taking off at the airport shortly before the incident.
Saavedra concluded by asking for “understanding and patience regarding the incident” and respect for “the privacy of those involved.”
Aircraft Details and Investigation
While the plane’s destination is still unknown, aviation-tracking data from FlightRadar24 suggests the aircraft had arrived from Houston. The FAA reported eight individuals were on board at the time of the crash.
The registered owner of the aircraft shares a Houston address with Arnold & Itkin, a personal injury law firm. FAA records show the plane commenced service in April 2020. USA TODAY has reportedly reached out to Arnold & Itkin for comment.
In addition to the FAA and NTSB, the Maine State Police are assisting local authorities in the ongoing investigation.
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- 7 dead, 1 injured in private jet crash in Bangor, Maine (usatoday.com)