A US-registered private jet crashed while attempting an emergency landing at La Romana International Airport in the Dominican Republic, killing both crew members.
The GALX business jet, registered as N318JF, had been bound for Austin, Texas, before declaring an emergency about 16 nautical miles southwest of La Romana.
Dominican aviation officials said the aircraft turned back toward the airport after encountering technical difficulties. Video footage captured the jet sliding across grass beside the runway, scattering debris before its rear section exploded into flames. Thick black smoke rose as emergency crews rushed to the scene.
The Dominican Civil Aviation Institute confirmed that only the pilot and co-pilot were on board. Firefighters and airport personnel used water trucks to extinguish the blaze. The aircraft belonged to a US-based executive aviation company.
Hector Porcella, Director of the Civil Aviation Board, said investigators are examining the wreckage to determine the cause of the crash. The Aviation Accident Investigation Commission activated emergency protocols immediately after the incident.
Local media reported that both crew members died in the explosion. Their identities have not yet been released. The crash has drawn attention to safety procedures for private jets operating in the Caribbean region.
Authorities continue to analyse flight data and communication records to establish what led to the fatal accident.
