Daijiworld Media Network - Nassau
Nassau, Jul 11: A small aircraft crashed in the Bahamas on Friday, killing all 10 people on board and prompting the government to temporarily suspend Flamingo Air's operations as authorities launched an investigation into the tragedy.
The crash occurred in North Andros, located in the waters west of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas.
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis had initially stated that one person had survived the crash. However, he later confirmed during a press conference that the survivor had succumbed to injuries, taking the death toll to 10. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
"We gather beneath a cloud of great sorrow," Davis said, noting that the tragedy had overshadowed celebrations 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," he said.
The Bahamian Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority said the aircraft had departed Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau and was bound for San Andros when it crashed. The aircraft was identified as a Bahamas-registered Cessna 402.
Following the incident, the Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation announced the temporary suspension of Flamingo Air's Air Operator Certificate as a precautionary safety measure while investigators determine the cause of the crash.
The ministry said the suspension was prompted by two separate safety incidents involving the airline on Friday.
Speaking at the press conference, Energy, Utilities and Aviation Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis said the first incident occurred earlier in the day when another Flamingo Air aircraft, en route to Mayaguana, experienced a technical concern. The pilot reported the issue and returned to Nassau.
After the aircraft landed safely and passengers had disembarked, it caught fire, she said. That incident is also under investigation by aviation authorities.