Boca Raton plane crash claimed the lives of three people aboard a small aircraft and left a man in a car injured after the plane crashed and burst into flames Friday morning, April 11, 2025. The tragic incident occurred at around 10:20 a.m. near the busy intersection of Military Trail and Glades Road, just a short distance from Boca Raton Airport.
Authorities have confirmed that the small aircraft involved was a twin-engine Cessna 310, which had just taken off from Boca Raton Airport en route to Tallahassee International Airport.
The Boca Raton plane crash sent shockwaves through the area, disrupting traffic and rail services, and prompting an immediate emergency response.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Terrifying Moments in Boca Raton Plane Crash
Pablo Tafur, a man who narrowly survived the Boca Raton plane crash, shared his harrowing experience with reporters. Tafur was driving to work when he witnessed the plane flying alarmingly low before it plummeted to the ground in front of him.
“I saw the plane fly low and continued through and next thing I know it’s on top, right in front of me and exploded,” Tafur recounted. “I got out of the car that was on fire, through the flames, and made it to safety.”
Tafur’s car was heavily damaged by debris and engulfed in flames. Fire Rescue officials later confirmed that he sustained non-life-threatening injuries after driving through a fireball caused by the crash.
Officials Confirm Fatalities in Boca Raton Plane Crash
Assistant Chief Michael LaSalle of Boca Raton Fire Rescue confirmed that the three occupants of the Cessna 310 perished in the crash. The bodies were recovered from the wreckage, which was scattered across both a roadway and train tracks near the crash site.
“There were three fatalities on board the plane,” LaSalle said. “And one injured gentleman on the ground who collided with a tree while trying to avoid the fire and debris.”
The Boca Raton plane crash also led to the temporary closure of streets in the area, as well as Boca Raton Airport. Emergency services acted quickly to contain the blaze and secure the area, while Tri-Rail services were rerouted, causing significant delays.
Boca Raton Plane Crash Followed Apparent Mechanical Issues
Preliminary data from Flightradar24 revealed that the aircraft appeared to be circling in the air before attempting to return to Boca Raton Airport. Witnesses said the aircraft seemed to be struggling as it flew unusually low before crashing.
“It basically came back, it was looking like maybe it was going towards the airport,” said witness Dillon Smith. “Then I just saw it drop below the trees, heard a boom, and the building shook.”
Another witness, David Simon, echoed similar concerns. “We thought it skimmed the top of one of the buildings—it was flying that low,” he stated.
LaSalle confirmed that reports of mechanical issues had been received just moments before the crash. “Crews were already on alert due to distress calls,” he noted.
Mayor and Authorities Respond to Boca Raton Plane Crash
Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer expressed his condolences during a press briefing, describing the incident as a “tragic loss of life.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased and all affected,” Mayor Singer said, emphasizing the support the city would offer to the grieving families.
As is standard procedure in aviation accidents, the Boca Raton plane crash is now under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Their focus will be on identifying what caused the Cessna 310 to malfunction mid-air, leading to such a catastrophic event.
Boca Raton Plane Crash Disrupts Daily Life and Services
The impact of the Boca Raton plane crash extended beyond the loss of life. Traffic in the area was severely affected, with major roads blocked off for hours. Boca Raton Airport remained closed until around noon, and Tri-Rail had to divert passengers using buses.
Aerial footage from Chopper 6 showed the shocking aftermath—wreckage strewn across the road, smoldering debris on train tracks, and a damaged car next to a scorched tree. Firefighters worked tirelessly to douse the flames and clear the area.
Investigations Underway After Boca Raton Plane Crash
The FAA and NTSB will be meticulously piecing together the moments before the Boca Raton plane crash. Investigators are expected to analyze flight data, communication with air traffic control, and the aircraft’s maintenance records to determine the root cause.
The tragic event has left Boca Raton shaken, serving as a somber reminder of how swiftly disaster can strike. As families mourn and the community grieves, questions remain about what led to this fatal crash.
