Private jet crashes during takeoff at Maine airport

BANGOR, Maine (NBC, KYMA) - A private jet crashed at Bangor International Airport Sunday with several people on board.

According to the FAA, the Bombardier Challenger 600 went down while taking off shortly before 8:00 p.m. Eastern.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene, with the Bangor Fire Department responding alongside several neighboring agencies.

"We were called out here around 7:45 for the report of a single aircraft that had gone off the runway during departure. Emergency crews are out there right now working on it. As far as additional information, we're hoping to gather that overnight and be able to push it out to everyone involved."

Sgt. Jeremy Brock, Public Information Officer, Bangor Police Department

Airport officials announced just after 8:25 p.m. Eastern that the runway was closed as crews worked the scene.

At this time, the number of people on board the plane and their conditions remain unclear, and the FAA says it will investigate the crash along with the National Transportation Safety Board.