A private jet carrying eight passengers has crashed upside down shortly after taking off from an airport in Bangor, Maine, during a severe snowstorm that has blanketed much of the north-eastern United States and eastern Canada.
Incident Details Amid Poor Visibility
The crash occurred on Sunday evening at Bangor International Airport, with authorities reporting that visibility was extremely poor due to the intense snowstorm. The aircraft involved was identified as a Bombardier Challenger 650 business jet, a model commonly used for private and corporate travel.
Condition of Passengers Remains Unknown
As of the latest reports, the condition of the eight individuals on board the jet is still not known. CNN has highlighted the ongoing uncertainty, with rescue and response teams working diligently at the scene despite the challenging weather conditions.
Airport Issues Public Warning
In a statement released at 10.30pm local time on Sunday, Bangor International Airport warned the public to stay away from the crash area. The statement emphasised that first responders are actively on scene and are expected to continue their work for several more hours before additional information becomes available.
Broader Context of Winter Storms
This incident comes as a major winter storm sweeps through the region, causing widespread disruption. Reports indicate that thousands of flights have been cancelled across the US, leaving passengers stranded, and several fatalities have been linked to the severe weather conditions in other areas.
The crash underscores the dangers of aviation during extreme weather events, particularly in regions experiencing heavy snowfall and reduced visibility. Authorities are likely to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes once conditions improve and more details emerge from the scene.
