Two people have died after a Bombardier Challenger 600 private jet crash-landed on Interstate 75 in Collier County, Florida, on Friday afternoon. The aircraft, carrying five people, struck two vehicles before slamming into a wall, scattering debris across the highway.
The crash occurred near the Pine Ridge Road exit shortly after the pilots reported losing both engines and told air traffic control they would not make the runway at Naples Airport. Witness Brianna Walker described how the plane's wing 'pulverized' a car in front of hers, and she and her friend narrowly escaped as the aircraft skidded across the road.
Florida Highway Patrol confirmed three survivors from the plane, but two others were killed. It remains unclear whether the fatalities were passengers on the aircraft or occupants of the vehicles on the ground. The plane had departed from Ohio State University Airport in Columbus and was scheduled to land in Naples.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. An NTSB team is expected to document the scene and examine the aircraft, with a preliminary report due within 30 days. The southbound lanes of I-75 were closed following the incident.
