1 dead in plane crash in Bahamas

A small plane crashed in the Bahamas on Friday, killing 10 people and forcing the government to temporarily ground Flamingo Air flights.

The fatal incident occurred in North Andros, just west of the archipelago’s capital Nassau.

Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis initially said that one person survived, but he later confirmed in a press conference that the person died of his injuries. The victims have not been publicly identified.

“We are gathered under a cloud of great sadness,” he said, noting that people were celebrating the Bahamas’ 53rd independence anniversary. “This has become a day of mourning… We extend our deepest condolences to every family who has received the devastating news that a loved one will not be coming home.” The Bahamian Air Accidents Investigation Authority said in a statement that the plane had taken off from Linden Pindling International Airport in Nassau and was headed to San Andros when it crashed. It identified the plane as a Cessna 402 aircraft registered in the Bahamas.

The Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation said in a statement that the suspension of Flamingo Air’s air operator certificate is only a precautionary safety measure as authorities investigate the cause of the crash. The ministry said the suspension is a result of two security incidents that occurred on Friday.

During the press conference, Energy, Utilities and Aviation Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davies said the first incident was on Friday, involving a Flamingo Air aircraft. He said it was en route to Mayaguana when the pilot reported a concern and turned back to Nassau. “After the plane landed and the passengers disembarked, the plane caught fire,” he said. That incident is also being investigated.