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A private jet carrying eight people crashed late Sunday while taking off from Bangor International Airport in the northeastern U.S. state of Maine, according to U.S. authorities and media reports.
The extent of the passengers’ injuries was not immediately known.
The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. local time, prompting the closure of the airport and the deployment of emergency crews.
Officials urged the public to avoid the area as first responders worked at the scene.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft, identified as a Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet, crashed while taking off from the airport. Eight people were on board at the time of the crash, the agency confirmed.
“Please avoid the airport. The runway is closed at this time,” the airport said earlier in a statement on social media.
In a later statement, the City of Bangor and Bangor International Airport said first responders were actively working at the crash site and were expected to continue operations for several more hours.
Officials did not disclose the cause of the crash, and the airport remained closed overnight Sunday.
The FAA said the incident will be investigated along with the National Transportation Safety Board.
CNN reported, citing air traffic control audio, that a pilot had been cleared for takeoff on Bangor’s Runway 33 shortly before all air traffic was suddenly stopped.
Controllers reported that a passenger aircraft had overturned, leading to the airport’s closure and the arrival of emergency vehicles.
The crash occurred as a snowstorm moved through the northeastern United States. Temperatures in Maine were well below freezing, and light snow was causing low visibility at the time.
According to audio obtained from LiveATC.net, controllers and pilots discussed low visibility and deicing minutes before the crash, though it was not immediately clear who was speaking.
Federal records show the aircraft was registered to a limited liability corporation based in Houston. Other reports identified the jet as a Bombardier Challenger 650 business aircraft.
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