A Flamingo Air Cessna 402 crashed near North Andros. (Representative image)

10 killed after plane crashes in Bahamas, all Flamingo Air flights grounded

A Flamingo Air Cessna 402 crashed near North Andros on Friday, killing all 10 aboard. The disaster plunged the Bahamas' independence anniversary into mourning and triggered a precautionary flight suspension.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Crash site near North Andros, west of Nassau
  • PM Davis confirmed no survivors, expressed sorrow
  • Second Flamingo Air incident involved plane fire after landing

A plane crashed in the Bahamas on Friday, killing all 10 people on board and prompting the government to temporarily ground Flamingo Air flights as authorities launched an investigation into the incident.

The crash occurred in North Andros, located in waters just west of Nassau, the archipelago's capital.

Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis had initially said that one person survived the crash, but later confirmed during a press conference that the individual died from their injuries. Authorities have not publicly identified the victims.

"We gather beneath a cloud of great sorrow," Davis said, noting that people were celebrating the Bahamas' 53rd independence anniversary. "It has become a day of mourning. ... To every family that has received the devastating news, that someone they love will not be coming home, we offer our deepest condolences."

The Bahamian Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority said the aircraft departed Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau and was bound for San Andros when it crashed. The authority identified the aircraft as a Cessna 402 registered in the Bahamas.

Following the crash, the Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation temporarily suspended Flamingo Air's air operator certificate, describing the move as a precautionary safety measure while investigators determine the cause of the accident.

The ministry said the suspension followed two safety incidents involving Flamingo Air on Friday.

Speaking at the press conference, Energy, Utilities and Aviation Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis said the first incident involved a Flamingo Air aircraft that was en route to Mayaguana. The pilot reported a concern and returned to Nassau. After the aircraft landed and passengers disembarked, it caught fire. Authorities are also investigating that incident.

- Ends