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Private jet crashes at Bangor International Airport
A Bombardier Challenger 600 aircraft carrying eight people went down shortly after takeoff from Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday evening, aviation officials confirmed. The crash occurred at approximately 19:45 local time (00:45 GMT on Monday), though the condition of those on board remains unknown.
Winter storm complicates emergency response
The incident unfolded as a severe winter storm swept across the United States, claiming multiple lives and leaving hundreds of thousands without power. Pilots at Bangor had reportedly faced visibility challenges prior to the crash, with the airport remaining under a winter storm warning until Tuesday.
The National Weather Service forecasts between 10 and 16 inches (25-40 cm) of snow in parts of Maine, including Bangor, by Tuesday morning.
Airport closure and emergency operations
Following the crash, Bangor International Airport announced its immediate closure, with emergency crews dispatched to the scene. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area as responders addressed the situation.
Images from the crash site showed smoke and flames on the runway, while air traffic control audio, obtained by CBS News and published by LiveATC.net, captured discussions about poor visibility minutes before the incident. A controller later reported seeing "a passenger aircraft upside down," though it was unclear if the communications pertained to the crashed jet.
Widespread travel disruptions across the U.S.
The crash adds to the travel chaos caused by the winter storm, which led to over 11,000 flight cancellations and nearly 5,500 delays nationwide on Sunday, according to FlightAware. Major airports in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Baltimore, North Carolina, New York, and New Jersey were among those affected.
Ongoing investigations
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet released details about the identities of those on board or the cause of the crash. Investigations are expected to continue as weather conditions improve.
