Six dead after private jet crashes during takeoff at Maine airport
UPDATE (12:38 PM): A plane carrying six people crashed during takeoff from the Bangor International Airport (BGR) in Maine Sunday night.
According to press release by BGR Monday, all six are presumed dead. The airport says the identities of the passengers had not been released.
The airport will remain closed until at least noon on Wednesday when the NTSB and FAA are expected to arrive to begin their investigation.
"We appreciate your understanding and patience regarding the incident, and ask that you continue to respect the privacy of those involved in this incident. Once the FAA and the NTSB are on site, we will work together with them to provide additional information as soon as that becomes available."
Jose Saavedra, Airport Director, Bangor International Airport
Airport officials say weather may have played a factor in the crash, but as the storm hit, other planes were able to take off and land safely.
According to the FAA, the plane was a Bombardier Challenger 600. Records show the plane is registered to a limited liability corporation in Houston.
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.
