A small plane crash in North Andros claimed 10 lives on Friday, casting a shadow over The Bahamas' 53rd Independence Day celebrations and turning the national holiday into one of mourning.
The Bahamian-registered Cessna 402, operated by Flamingo Air, went down while on a flight from Nassau to San Andros. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.
Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis initially reported that one passenger had survived the crash, but later confirmed that the individual had succumbed to their injuries, bringing the final death toll to 10. The victims have not yet been publicly identified.
"We gather beneath a cloud of great sorrow," Davis said at a press conference. "It has become a day of mourning."
The Prime Minister extended his condolences to the families of those killed. "To every family that has received the devastating news that someone they love will not be coming home, we offer our deepest condolences," he said.
Davis stressed that investigators were still working to establish the cause of the crash. "At this stage, the facts are still being established, and the relevant authorities are working to determine exactly what occurred," he said. "The families affected deserve compassion, privacy, and support as the investigation proceeds."
In the wake of the crash, the Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation suspended Flamingo Air's Air Operator Certificate as a precautionary measure while investigators examine the circumstances of the accident.
The suspension followed two separate aviation safety incidents involving the airline on the same day. Earlier on Friday, a second Flamingo Air aircraft bound for Mayaguana returned to Nassau after the pilot reported a concern. After passengers safely disembarked, that aircraft caught fire. No injuries were reported in that incident.
Officials have not indicated whether the two incidents are connected. Investigations into both events remain ongoing.
