Ten people have died after a Cessna 402 aircraft crashed in North Andros in the Bahamas, near Nassau, with authorities confirming no survivors. The tragic incident occurred in waters directly west of Nassau, the archipelago's capital city. Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis had originally stated that one individual survived, but subsequently confirmed during a press conference that the person succumbed to their injuries. The identities of the victims have not been released publicly.
Prime Minister Expresses Condolences on Independence Day
"We gather beneath a cloud of great sorrow," Prime Minister Davis stated, acknowledging that citizens were marking the Bahamas' 53rd independence anniversary. "It has become a day of mourning. ... To every family that has received the devastating news, that someone they love will not be coming home, we offer our deepest condolences."
Aircraft Details and Route
The Bahamian Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority confirmed in a statement that the aircraft had departed from Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau and was en route to San Andros when it went down. Officials identified the aircraft as a Cessna 402 registered in the Bahamas.
Flamingo Air Operations Suspended
The Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation announced in a statement that the grounding of Flamingo Air's air operator certificate represents solely a precautionary safety measure while officials examine the circumstances surrounding the crash. The ministry indicated the suspension follows two safety incidents which took place on Friday.
Earlier Incident Involving Flamingo Air
During the press conference, Energy, Utilities and Aviation Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis revealed the first incident took place earlier on Friday involving a Flamingo Air aircraft. She explained it was travelling to Mayaguana when the pilot flagged a concern and returned to Nassau. Following the aircraft's landing and the passengers disembarking, the plane burst into flames, she stated. That incident is also subject to investigation.
