Seven Dead After Private Jet Crashes During Brutal Winter Storm in Maine

Tragedy struck Sunday night when a private jet crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport in Maine, killing seven and leaving one critically injured.

The crash occurred around 7:45 p.m. as a Bombardier CL 600 attempted to depart in the middle of harsh winter conditions. The jet ended up flipped upside down and engulfed in flames, according to local reports. The sole survivor is reportedly a crew member.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims. Federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are expected to arrive on-site Monday to begin their probe into the deadly accident.

“At approximately 7:45 p.m. there was an incident involving a single aircraft that was departing from [Bangor International Airport],” the airport said in a statement. “First responders are still on scene and are expected to be actively working the site for several more hours.”

Fire crews from the 101st Maine Air National Guard, along with multiple fire departments from Bangor and surrounding areas, rushed to the scene. Bangor Police also assisted in securing the crash site.

The Bangor Daily News reported the aircraft was upside down and on fire when crews arrived. Despite efforts to rescue those on board, seven lives were lost.

Questions immediately surfaced about why the plane was cleared for takeoff in the middle of an active snowstorm. When asked, an airport spokesman said that other flights had been arriving and departing around the same time, and snow removal operations were underway.

“The snow removal operations were in progress and again, there were planes landing and departing… around that time of day,” the spokesman stated.

Local authorities initially delayed releasing details on the condition of those onboard, claiming it was the responsibility of federal officials. The NTSB countered that local agencies typically provide those updates in the early stages of an investigation.

In a public statement, the NTSB said a team of federal investigators was en route and would begin the process of documenting the scene and recovering the aircraft for further evaluation.

“A team of NTSB investigators is currently assembling and is expected to arrive on scene shortly,” the agency said. “Once on site, the investigator will begin the process of documenting the scene and examining the aircraft. The aircraft will then be recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation.”

A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.