Private Jet Crashes on Laredo Highway, One Fatality
A Cessna Citation en route from Mexico to Austin reported mechanical problems and low fuel before crash-landing on a Laredo highway, killing one of six aboard.
A private Cessna Citation jet crash-landed on Texas State Highway Loop 20 near Laredo on Tuesday night, killing one of the six people on board. The aircraft was traveling from Los Cabos, Mexico, to Austin, Texas, when its crew reported major mechanical issues and low fuel to Laredo International Airport shortly before 10 p.m. local time, according to airport director Gilberto Sanchez.
The plane lost radio contact with the tower and struck the highway, where video showed the nose section lying sideways, flames and smoke emanating from the wreckage, and rescuers forcing open the cockpit door. Four occupants were seen exiting the burning aircraft and walking away, while five survivors were taken to local hospitals. Laredo Police Department investigator Jose Baeza said the deceased was one of the six aboard and that the survivors were in stable condition.
"The survivors were reported to be in stable condition," Sanchez said in an email.
"The crash forced the closure of the highway, a regional transportation artery, and it is expected to remain shut to traffic on Wednesday," Baeza added.
The highway closure disrupted regional traffic, and a National Transportation Safety Board team was dispatched to the site. The Federal Aviation Administration had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting. The investigation remains ongoing.
