Jet crashes on US highway, bystanders smash cockpit window to rescue survivors

A business jet carrying six people crashed onto a highway in Texas late on June 16, bursting into flames and triggering dramatic rescue attempts by passing motorists who smashed at the cockpit window to free those trapped inside.

At least one person was killed in the crash near Laredo, while the fate and condition of the other occupants remained unclear. Authorities said it was not immediately known whether the person who died was on board the aircraft or on the ground.

The aircraft, a Cessna Citation Latitude twin-engine jet, crashed on Loop 20 shortly after 10 pm, according to Jose Baeza, an investigator with the Laredo Police Department.

Videos shared on social media showed the aircraft lying on its side after slamming into a highway barrier. The tail section had been torn away and flames engulfed parts of the wreckage.

MOTORISTS RUSH TO HELP

Among the first witnesses at the scene was Zayra Garza, an esthetician who was driving her co-workers home when she came across the crash site.

Garza began filming as she approached the wreckage before stopping her vehicle opposite the burning aircraft.

She said she saw a person inside trying to break the cockpit window to escape.

Soon, motorists began abandoning their vehicles and running towards the jet to help.

Garza said several people attempted to smash the cockpit window from the outside while those trapped inside tried to get out.

Her husband also joined the rescue effort.

Moments later, she saw the aircraft door open.

According to Garza, three people who appeared to be teenagers rushed out of the jet, followed by a person she believed was the pilot. Another crew member then attempted to pull out someone who appeared to be unconscious.

"It looked like part of a movie. I was in shock," Garza said.

"What was worrying me was the fire," she added. "I was concerned that it could have just exploded at any time."

CRASH CAUSE UNKNOWN

Authorities have yet to determine what caused the aircraft to crash as it approached Laredo, a city located about 140 miles southwest of San Antonio.

The aircraft had departed from Los Cabos Airport in Mexico at 6.19 pm, according to flight tracking data from FlightAware.

Investigators have not disclosed whether the jet experienced mechanical problems or attempted an emergency landing before coming down on the highway.

OFFICERS TREATED FOR SMOKE INHALATION

Police said no injuries on the ground were immediately reported.

However, five police officers were taken to hospital after suffering smoke inhalation while responding to the scene.

Emergency crews remained at the site for several hours as authorities secured the wreckage and began the investigation.

NETJETS CONFIRMS AIRCRAFT INVOLVED

Private aviation company NetJets confirmed that the crashed aircraft belonged to its fleet and said it was cooperating with investigators.

In a statement, the company said it was working closely with authorities following the incident.

NetJets, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate led by billionaire investor Warren Buffett, operates a fractional ownership model that allows customers to purchase shares in private aircraft.

Federal and local investigators are expected to examine the wreckage in the coming days to determine what caused the fatal crash and whether any safety issues contributed to the accident.

- Ends

With inputs from AP