Private Jet Makes Emergency Landing on Interstate 75 in Florida, Collides with Vehicle
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is currently on the scene of a small plane that made an emergency landing on Interstate 75 (I-75) in Collier County. The incident occurred near mile marker 107 (Pine Ridge Road) while the plane was heading south.
According to FHP officers, the plane involved in the incident is a Bombardier Challenger 600 jet, which collided with a vehicle upon landing. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that there were five people on board the private jet.
A spokesperson for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office stated that there have been two confirmed deaths, but could not specify whether they were passengers on the jet or the car involved in the collision. The plane was en route from Ohio to Naples and was scheduled to continue on to Fort Lauderdale, but lost both engines before the crash.
Eyewitnesses, including Broward County resident Garrett Elsinger, reported hearing an explosion and seeing orange flames. Elsinger described the scene as he and his son approached, stating, “There was thick, black smoke rising and as we got closer I was thinking it’s not a small Cessna plane that I read that came and landed on the road, it’s a jet, it’s a big airliner.”
As a result of the incident, the southbound lanes of I-75 are closed. FHP is advising drivers to avoid the area if possible and find an alternative route. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating the crash, with the NTSB taking the lead in the investigation.
This is a developing story, and Telemundo 51 will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.