NAPLES, FL – A small aircraft crashed on Interstate 75 in Naples, Florida, on Friday afternoon, resulting in at least two fatalities, according to information released by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet, was ferrying five passengers, as per a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The condition of the remaining passengers was not immediately disclosed.
The ill-fated flight had originated from Ohio State University Airport around 1 p.m. ET, as reported by local sources.
The pilot, in a desperate attempt to avert the impending disaster, had requested an emergency landing at Naples Airport, the plane’s intended destination, after reporting a double engine failure shortly after 3 p.m. ET.
The aircraft, unfortunately, crashed into a vehicle on the freeway. The two confirmed fatalities were passengers on the plane.
The Florida Highway Patrol, in response to the incident, issued a traffic alert on social media, stating, “NB closed at exit 105 (Golden Gate Pkwy). SB will have extended closure due to a plane landing on I-75.”
The sheriff’s office confirmed the closure of all southbound lanes and mentioned that northbound lanes were also impacted.
Emergency teams were quickly dispatched to the crash site. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash.
“The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide any updates,” the FAA said in a statement.