Ten Killed in Bahamas Plane Crash, Including Musicians and DJ

A Flamingo Air aircraft that departed Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau for San Andros crashed in the waters west of the capital, killing all ten people on board. The Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union confirmed that the victims included members of The Pond Band and a disc jockey.

The Bahamian Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority is leading the probe, while the Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation has suspended Flamingo Air's air operator certificate as a precautionary measure following two safety incidents on Friday. Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis said the first incident involved a Flamingo Air plane that returned to Nassau after a pilot reported a concern; the aircraft later caught fire on the ground.

"Among the dearly departed are some of the talented and vibrant members of our entertainment community, including members of The Pond Band and a DJ," the union said in a statement posted on X.

"(Their) passion, dedication, and artistry touched so many lives and helped to enrich the cultural fabric of The Bahamas," the statement added.

Officials said the suspension will remain in effect while the causes of both the crash and the earlier incident are investigated.