Plane crash leaves at least 10 dead in Bahamas

At least 10 people died when an aircraft crashed on one of the Caribbean country's islands, Prime Minister Philip Davis said this Friday (10).

"Once again, a chapter in our nation's history has been marred by tragedy," Davis said during a news conference. "Today is a day of celebration, but it has become a day of mourning."

The accident, which occurred on the day the archipelago celebrated the 53rd anniversary of its independence, occurred around 1 p.m. Eastern Time (2 p.m. Brasília time), after the Cessna 402 aircraft took off from Lynden Pindling International Airport bound for San Andros Airport, according to the Bahamas Air Accident Investigation Authority.

The authority reported that the aircraft "apparently encountered difficulties" before crashing into a vegetation area.

Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles said there were nine passengers and a pilot on board. She stated that one person initially survived the accident but later died.

The flight was operated by Flamingo Air, an airline based in the Bahamas. The Ministry of Transport said it had suspended the company's air operator certificate "as a preventive safety measure".

Flamingo Air did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but told local media: "At this time, details are being gathered, and we are committed to cooperating with the appropriate authorities."

Source: CNN