Nine killed in 'horrific' Florida jet crash

A business jet crashed in a neighbourhood in Florida on Sunday, killing all nine people on board, the US transport secretary has said.

The crash happened near Cresthaven, some nine miles (14 km) from Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's resort in the wealthy enclave of Palm Beach County, around 12:50 EST (17:50 GMT).

Images from the scene show a crater-sized hole in a residential road, with patches of fire and pieces of concrete and debris from the Learjet 60 aircraft scattered.

The aircraft had departed from Austin, Texas, and was headed to the Bahamas, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) said in a statement.

A flaming crater is shown on a street, with piles of rubble and burning debris.

Transport Secretary Sean Duffy described the crash as a "horrific tragedy", and said the FAA was sending a team to the scene to help an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.

"Please join me in praying for the families and loved ones of those we lost," Duffy added.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said the crash happened on Military Trail, a six-lane road that features businesses and eateries.

"Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes," the sheriff's office said.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue has declared a "mass casualty incident".

It is not yet clear who was aboard the jet when it crashed, or whether anyone on the ground was injured or killed.

Emergency services at the scene of the crash in Florida

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Original source Nine killed in 'horrific' Florida jet crash

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