Flamingo Air Cessna crash kills 10, operations suspended

A small passenger plane crashed in the Bahamas on Friday, July 10, killing all 10 people on board and prompting the immediate suspension of the airline's operations. The Flamingo Air aircraft went down in the Pine Yard area near North Andros Airport, according to local authorities.

The Bahamian Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority stated the aircraft was a Cessna 402 that had departed Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau and was headed to San Andros when it crashed. Initial reports from police indicated seven people were on board, but officials later confirmed the death toll was 10.

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis addressed the nation, first stating that there were multiple casualties and one survivor. He later confirmed during a press conference that the survivor had succumbed to injuries. "We gather beneath a cloud of great sorrow," Davis said, noting the crash occurred as the country celebrated its 53rd Independence anniversary. "It has become a day of mourning... To every family that has received the devastating news, that someone they love will not be coming home, we offer our deepest condolences." The victims have not been publicly identified.