In brief
A private jet crash at Bangor International Airport in Maine has left the fate of its eight passengers unclear. The aircraft went down during a winter storm that has caused considerable disruption across the northeastern US. Visibility issues reported before the crash and ongoing heavy snowfall are adding to the chaos, with thousands of flights canceled nationwide.
A private jet carrying eight people has crashed while taking off from Bangor International Airport in the US state of Maine, aviation authorities have confirmed.The Bombardier Challenger 600 went down at approximately 19:45 local time (00:45 GMT on Monday), but the fate and identities of those aboard remain unclear. This tragic event occurred as a dangerous winter storm swept across a large portion of the United States, causing fatalities and widespread power outages.Reports indicate that pilots were struggling with low visibility conditions at the airport prior to the crash, amid ongoing winter storm warnings. Bangor is expected to experience heavy snowfall, with predictions of 10 to 16 inches (25-40 cm) accumulating by Tuesday morning.Following the incident, Bangor International Airport was closed as emergency crews responded, urging the public to steer clear of the area. Air traffic control audio captured moments before the crash revealed discussions on visibility challenges, ultimately culminating in a chilling message that described a “passenger aircraft upside down.”Images from the scene indicated smoke and flames erupting on the runway. The crash compounded issues for travelers nationwide, as over 11,000 flights were canceled and nearly 5,500 delayed, affecting major airports including those in Philadelphia, Washington DC, and New York.As communities brace for further adverse weather conditions, the impact of this tragic event on the passengers and their families remains anxiously awaited.
