One Dead After Business Jet Crashes and Catches Fire on Texas Highway

LAREDO, Texas, June 17:  A business jet carrying six people crashed onto a highway near the Texas-Mexico border late Tuesday, killing one person and triggering dramatic rescue efforts by motorists and emergency responders.

The aircraft, identified as a Cessna Citation Latitude operated by NetJets, crashed on Loop 20 in Laredo shortly after 10 p.m. local time. The jet burst into flames upon impact, leaving the fuselage nearly torn in half and resting on its side beside the roadway.

Authorities confirmed one fatality but have not yet determined whether the victim was aboard the aircraft or on the ground. No injuries to people on the highway were immediately reported, although five police officers were hospitalized for smoke inhalation while assisting at the scene.

Witnesses described chaotic moments as passing motorists abandoned their vehicles and rushed toward the burning aircraft in an attempt to rescue those trapped inside. Videos shared on social media showed bystanders using a sledgehammer and shovel to strike the cockpit window and help open an exit as flames engulfed parts of the jet.

"It looked like part of a movie. I was in shock," said Zayra Garza, who came upon the crash while driving with coworkers.

According to witnesses, several passengers managed to escape from the aircraft, including three individuals believed to be teenagers and a person thought to be the pilot. Rescuers then worked to extract another occupant who appeared unconscious as smoke poured from the wreckage.

Firefighters arrived and used ladders to access the aircraft while crews battled the blaze. Officers and emergency personnel repeatedly retreated from the wreckage due to heavy smoke as they continued rescue efforts.

Flight tracking data showed the jet had departed from Los Cabos International Airport in Mexico earlier in the evening and was approaching Laredo International Airport when the accident occurred. The aircraft came to rest near the airport after reportedly striking a light pole before sliding across the highway.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Laredo International Airport Director Gilberto Sanchez told local media that the aircraft had experienced a mechanical failure, though no further details were immediately available.

NetJets, the private aviation company owned by Berkshire Hathaway, confirmed the aircraft was part of its fleet and said it was cooperating with authorities investigating the incident.

The crash marks the third major aviation accident reported in the United States within three days, following a fatal military aircraft crash in California and a deadly skydiving plane accident in Missouri.