Nine Killed as Business Jet Crashes Near Greenacres in Central Palm Beach County
Nine people were killed Sunday afternoon when a business jet crashed into a residential area near Greenacres and burst into flames, about 25 miles south of Jupiter in central Palm Beach County.
The Learjet 60 was flying from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas, according to the FAA, which called that information preliminary. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine people on board died, calling the crash a "horrific tragedy."
What happened
The plane came down around 12:50 p.m. near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North, close to Cresthaven Boulevard, in an unincorporated area between Greenacres and Palm Springs, WPTV and The Palm Beach Post reported.
Gov. Ron DeSantis called the crash "cataclysmic," saying it left a large crater by the road, NBC 6 reported.
CNN reported no confirmed deaths on the ground, though the crash left a large debris field. Officials had not confirmed any injuries on the ground as of Sunday evening.
According to CNN, NTSB records make this the second-deadliest U.S. plane crash of 2026, after a June skydiving plane crash in Butler, Missouri, that killed 12.
Residents displaced
About 600 people from a nearby mobile home community needed shelter. Two shelters were on standby, and Palm Tran was ready to move residents once law enforcement cleared it, NBC 6 and WPTV reported.
The Village of Palm Springs is monitoring water and sewer service in the area. Residents with service problems can call (561) 584-8200.
Road closures
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office closed Military Trail between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North. If you're heading south through the county, plan an alternate route and expect delays near the area.
The investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, with the FAA assisting. The cause has not been determined.
Weather in the area at the time included overcast skies, rain and lightning, with east winds around 15 mph gusting near 25 mph, according to The Palm Beach Post. An aviation expert told CBS12 that thunderstorms may have played a role, but he stressed that has not been confirmed.
Several claims circulating on social media, including about the cause of the crash and the plane's origin, have not been confirmed by officials. The NTSB typically releases a preliminary report within a few weeks, with a final report taking a year or more.
For official updates, follow the NTSB and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. This story will be updated as more information is released.
Sources: CNN, WPTV, NBC 6, The Palm Beach Post, CBS12 and The News-Press.