Horror plane crash in Florida as jet smashes into cars during emergency landing on I-75 near Naples in Collier County
A PRIVATE plane carrying five people has crashed on a major Florida highway, erupting into a fiery blaze and killing at least two.
Thick plumes of smoke could be seen in photos and videos from the chaotic scene on Friday at Interstate 75 near Collier County, about 46 miles southeast of Naples.
All southbound lanes have been closed, and traffic appears to be at a standstill as emergency crews are at the scene.
Florida Highway Patrol confirmed that the twin-engine plane crashed into at least one car as it attempted to touch down on the highway.
Five people were onboard the aircraft, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that three people on board the aircraft survived, however, their conditions are unclear.
The plane, which is reportedly a Bombardier Challenger 600 series, took off from Ohio to Naples Airport, according to NBC affiliate WBBH-TV.
However, two miles out of Naples Airport, the plane reported an engine failure to air traffic control before saying, “They would not be able to make it,” the outlet reported.
The identity of the victims was not immediately released.
A Bombardier Challenger 600 has the capacity to fit up to 14 people.
Almost an hour after the plane went down, the Federal Aviation Administration said I-75 would be closed between the northbound and southbound exit of MM 105 for the next 24 hours.
Images from traffic cameras showed several fire rescue and police units at the crash site.
“It’s seconds that separated us from the car in front of us,” Brianna Walker, 26, told the Associated Press.
Walker saw the wing of the plane drag the car in front of hers.
“The wing pulverized this one car,” she said.
She and her friend were able to pull over before the crash. “The plane was over our heads by inches. It took a hard right and skid across the highway.”
There was an explosion of flames, said Walker with a burst from the plane before a loud boom.
“It feels unreal like a movie,” she said. “It was seconds between us dying.”
The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the incident.
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