- A private jet crashed onto a busy highway in Laredo, Texas, killing one person and injuring several others.
- The aircraft, a Cessna Citation Latitude, experienced mechanical issues before the crash and was headed to Austin.
- Bystanders and emergency crews faced flames as they attempted to rescue survivors from the burning wreckage.
LAREDO, TEXAS — Days after a Texas father fatally shot a suspected carjacker who allegedly tried to steal a vehicle occupied by his family, another dramatic incident in the state is drawing national attention. This time, a private jet crashed onto a busy highway near the U.S.-Mexico border, killing one person and triggering desperate rescue efforts as bystanders rushed toward the flames.
The crash happened shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday on Loop 20 in Laredo.
Authorities said six people were aboard the aircraft when it went down.
Fiery Crash on Highway
According to Laredo police, the aircraft crashed onto the highway before overturning and erupting into flames.
Video from the scene showed the plane upside down as thick smoke and fire poured from the wreckage.
The aircraft also struck a moving vehicle during the crash, scattering debris across multiple lanes and forcing authorities to shut down traffic in both directions.
Police later confirmed that one person died in the incident.
The identities of those involved have not yet been released pending notification of family members.
Passengers Pulled From Burning Wreckage
As emergency crews rushed to the scene, several bystanders stopped their vehicles and attempted to rescue those trapped inside.
Footage showed two men using a sledgehammer and a shovel to strike the cockpit windows and pry open parts of the damaged aircraft.
Other witnesses helped guide survivors away from the flames.
Five people aboard the plane survived and were transported to local hospitals in stable condition.
Several first responders also suffered smoke inhalation while assisting with the rescue efforts.
Mechanical Problems Reported
Officials said the aircraft had experienced difficulties shortly before the crash.
According to police, airport personnel reported that the pilot had indicated the plane was experiencing mechanical issues before communication was lost.
The aircraft had departed San José del Cabo, Mexico, earlier in the evening and had been scheduled to continue to Austin, Texas.
Flight tracking data showed the aircraft diverting toward Laredo before the crash.
The plane was identified as a NetJets-operated Cessna Citation Latitude business jet.
Witnesses Describe Chaos
Zayra Garza said she was driving coworkers home when she suddenly encountered the wreckage.
"It looked like part of a movie," she said. "I was in shock."
Garza said her greatest concern was the growing fire surrounding the aircraft.
"I was concerned that it could have just exploded at any time," she recalled.
Investigation Underway
Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño urged patience as federal investigators begin examining the crash.
"As mayor, I understand the importance of allowing investigators to complete a thorough and objective review before drawing any conclusions," he said.
Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have taken over the investigation.
Loop 20 is expected to remain closed as authorities document the scene and determine what led to the deadly crash.
For now, investigators continue working to identify the victim and uncover exactly what happened in the final moments before the aircraft came down on one of Texas' busiest roadways.
To view more cases involving aviation disasters and dramatic rescues, check out our video here:
