A small aircraft carrying four individuals crash-landed in a residential area of Pembroke Pines, Florida, on Sunday. The incident caused panic among local residents and left a 16-year-old girl in critical condition.
The crash took place near SW 14th Street and SW 68th Boulevard, merely a mile away from North Perry Airport. The aircraft, a Cessna T337G, was attempting to land for reasons that remain unclear. According to reports from FlightAware, the flight originated from the Turks and Caicos Islands, as reported by Local 10.
Authorities reported that the pilot and three passengers managed to exit the plane on their own after it collided with a tree, but all were transported to nearby hospitals. The 16-year-old girl was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital as a Level 1 Trauma patient, while the other three were classified as Level 2 Trauma cases. Among the passengers was another minor, a 13-year-old girl.
Witnesses described the scene to Telemundo as terrifying. "It sounded like a truck overturning with huge rocks... then we saw the smoke," recounted a local resident.
The swift response from the community helped prevent further disaster. Several residents rushed to the site with axes, hoses, and fire extinguishers to help control the blaze and assist the injured.
"My son, who is a lifeguard, started tending to the people on the plane," shared Giovanna Hanley, a local resident.
Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo expressed his concern, highlighting that this is not an isolated incident. "There have been over 36 accidents in the past five years at North Perry Airport. We are out of patience. This community wants to feel safe," he stated.
Mayor Castillo called on the Broward County Commission to conduct a thorough investigation into the airport's safety protocols.
As the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues its investigation, several streets in the area remain closed, and emergency operations are ongoing.
Understanding the Recent Plane Crash in Pembroke Pines
What caused the plane crash in Pembroke Pines?
The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, but it occurred as the plane attempted to land near North Perry Airport.
How many people were injured in the crash?
Four people were injured, including a 16-year-old girl who is in critical condition. All were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
What is being done to ensure safety at North Perry Airport?
Mayor Angelo Castillo has demanded a thorough investigation into the airport's safety by the Broward County Commission following this and other similar incidents.