Private Jet Crashes During Takeoff at Maine Airport, Seven Killed

A private jet carrying eight people crashed in flames during takeoff at Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday night, killing seven people and leaving one crew member as the sole survivor, federal authorities said.

The crash occurred around 7:45 p.m. local time on Jan. 25 as the aircraft attempted to depart the airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The aircraft was identified as a Bombardier Challenger 600. The FAA confirmed that emergency crews responded immediately and that the airport was closed following the incident.

Emergency Response and Airport Closure

“Emergency services are responding to an incident involving an aircraft at BIA that occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. on Sunday,” Bangor International Airport said in a statement. “The airport is closed and we ask that the public avoid the area.”

The FAA said first responders remained on scene for several hours as emergency operations continued.

“First responders are still on scene and are expected to be actively working the site for several more hours before any additional information is available,” the agency said. “An Emergency Operations Center has been established.”

Flight cancellations followed the crash, and the FAA advised travelers to check with airlines for updates on disrupted travel plans.

Plane Engulfed in Postcrash Fire

Government officials told Reuters that a “significant fire” followed the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed that the aircraft experienced a postcrash fire.

Images from the scene showed the jet upside down on the runway, engulfed in flames, with thick smoke filling the airfield as emergency responders surrounded the wreckage.

Authorities later confirmed that seven people died in the crash. One crew member survived and was transported for medical treatment. No information on that person’s condition has been released.

Aircraft Origin and Ownership

The jet had flown to Maine from Texas before the crash. According to CBS affiliate KHOU, the aircraft is registered to a Houston-based law firm.

Reuters reported that the registered owner is a company with a Houston address shared with the personal injury law firm Arnold & Itkin. Officials have not said who was aboard the flight or the purpose of the trip.

Weather Conditions Under Review

The crash occurred as snow began falling at the airport, amid poor weather conditions across much of Maine and the broader region. However, officials have not confirmed whether weather played a role in the incident.

According to KHOU, at the time of takeoff the jet had at least one mile of visibility and full visibility of the runway.

Local station WABI reported that winter storm warnings were in effect across the state following hazardous travel conditions over the weekend. Those warnings are expected to remain in place through Tuesday, January 27.

Investigation Underway

The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash. The NTSB said a team of investigators was expected to arrive at the scene shortly.

“Once on site, the investigator will begin the process of documenting the scene and examining the aircraft,” the NTSB said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. “The aircraft will then be recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation.”

No cause of the crash has been determined.

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