Ten people died Friday when a Flamingo Air flight crashed in the Bahamas, turning the nation's 53rd independence anniversary into a day of sorrow.
The aircraft, identified as a Bahamas-registered Cessna 402 with the registration C6-FLX, was on a 20-minute flight from Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau to San Andros Airport when it encountered difficulties and crashed into bushes prior to landing.
The crash occurred shortly before 1 p.m. in North Andros, west of the capital. Authorities confirmed that initially, one person survived the wreck but later died from their injuries. The victims' identities are being withheld until their families can be notified and confirmed.
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis stated that the independence anniversary had become "a day of mourning." "We gather beneath a cloud of great sorrow," he said, offering condolences to the families of the victims.
A team of investigators is on site in Andros to determine the cause of the accident. Footage of the aftermath showed the aircraft's smoldering wreckage scattered across a wooded area.
The Bahamas Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation announced the temporary suspension of Flamingo Air's air operator certificate as a precautionary safety measure. This suspension is also linked to a second safety incident involving the airline on the same day.
Earlier that morning, another Flamingo Air flight bound for Mayaguana experienced an issue, causing the pilot to return to Nassau. After passengers were evacuated, the aircraft caught fire. No one was injured in that incident, which is also under investigation.
Flamingo Air confirmed the fatal crash and extended its condolences, stating that the company is cooperating with authorities.
Members of the Bahamian musical group Da Pond Band were reportedly scheduled to be on the flight that crashed. The airline has not commented on this specifically but has stated its commitment to cooperating with investigators.