On Friday, July 10, just after 1 p.m. local time, tragedy struck as a Cessna 402 aircraft registered C6-FLX crashed after departing Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) for San Andros Airport (SAQ).
According to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA), the plane “entered difficulties” and crashed nearby in a densely forested area in North Andros.
The Aftermath
AAIA stated that first responders, including the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Airport Authority, and emergency medical personnel, attended the scene.
Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles confirmed 10 people were on board, and only one person survived the initial impact, but later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the total number of fatalities to 10.
The Prime Minister, Philip Brave Davis, also expressed his deep sorrow, stating:
“We have mourned too many lives, we have comforted too many families and today we mourn once again.”
This comes after the plane crash occurred on the Bahamas’ 53rd independence anniversary, which the prime minister acknowledged as a day that was once one of celebration, now turned into mourning.
Pending Investigation
Not all victims of the tragedy have been publicly identified. In a statement released on Saturday via X, the Bahamas Musicians and Entertainment Union confirmed that among those killed were musicians and a DJ:
“Among the dearly departed are some of the talented and vibrant members of our entertainment community, including members of The Pond Band and a DJ… [Their] passion, dedication and artistry touched so many lives and helped to enrich the cultural fabric of The Bahamas.”
The flight, which authorities claim was operated by Flamingo Air, prompted the local government to temporarily ground all flights.
During a press conference, Minister JoBeth Colby-Davis explained that there was another separate incident regarding a Flamingo Air flight en route to Mayaguana. The pilot reported concern and turned back to Nassau, Bahamas. Once the plane had landed and all passengers had disembarked, it caught fire.
According to The Tribunal, the Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation said in a statement that the suspension is a precautionary safety measure and the result of two safety incidents that occurred on Friday.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
What do you think of this accident? Let us know in the comments.
