In brief
In a tragic aviation accident on the 53rd anniversary of its independence, a Cessna 402 operated by Flamingo Air crashed into a swampy area near San Andros Airport, killing all ten aboard. The aircraft reportedly suffered in‑flight difficulties and hit the ground before reaching its destination. Prime Minister Philip Davis described the incident as a day of mourning and highlighted the urgency for investigations. Flamingo Air is temporarily grounded, though the move is not a punitive action; authorities are probing two other recent incidents involving the airline. Initial reports suggested one survivor, who later succumbed to injuries.
Nine passengers and a pilot died in a small‑plane crash in the Bahamas, officials said.
The light aircraft was making a short trip from Lynden Pindling International Airport to San Andros Airport when it "reportedly encountered difficulties" and crashed into bushes before landing, the country’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority said in a statement.
The fatal crash occurred on the day of the Bahamas’ 53rd independence anniversary.
Prime Minister Philip Davis told a media conference, "Today is a day of celebration but it has become a day of mourning." He added, "Once again, a chapter in our nation’s story has been marked by tragedy."
Initial comments mentioned a single survivor, but hours later officials confirmed that the person had died from injuries.
The identities, ages and names of the people on board have not yet been released.
The Cessna 402, operated by Flamingo Air, a Bahamas‑based airline, is under a temporary suspension of its air operator certificate "as a precautionary safety measure". The Ministry of Aviation emphasized this should not be treated as a compliance action against Flamingo Air.
Two other safety incidents involving the airline were reported on Friday. Aviation Minister JoBeth Coleby‑Davis said a plane had earlier returned to Nassau when the pilot reported a problem; a fire broke out on board after landing, allowing passengers to disembark safely, CBS News reported.
The BBC has contacted Flamingo Air for comment. In remarks to local media the airline said, "At this time, details are being gathered, and we are committed to cooperating with relevant authorities."
