One Dead as Small Plane Crashes on Texas Highway

A small business jet crashed onto a highway in Laredo, Texas, resulting in one fatality and a significant fire. The aircraft, identified as a Cessna Citation Latitude operated by NetJets, was carrying six people when it went down on Loop 20 while approaching the airport.

Eyewitnesses reported that people on the highway exited their vehicles and attempted to break the cockpit window to rescue those inside the burning wreckage. The crash, which occurred after 10 p.m. local time, caused considerable disruption for drivers. The intense fire made rescue efforts extremely difficult.

While no injuries were reported among those on the highway, five first responders were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation. The jet had departed from Los Cabos International Airport in Mexico. The specific cause of the crash remains under investigation, with Laredo police appealing for any video recordings, such as dashcam footage, that might assist their inquiry.

The Cessna Citation Latitude is a twin-engine business jet capable of carrying two crew members and up to nine passengers. It has a maximum speed of 826 km/h and a range of approximately 5,000 km with four passengers.