On April 11, 2025, a tragic plane crash near Boca Raton, Florida, claimed the lives of three individuals aboard a Cessna 310. The aircraft, which had departed from Boca Raton Airport and was en route to Tallahassee International Airport, experienced mechanical issues shortly after takeoff, leading to its untimely descent onto North Military Trail.
The incident unfolded around 10:20 a.m., as the aircraft reported difficulties approximately three minutes after takeoff. Witnesses reported seeing the plane flying unusually low, with some suggesting it appeared to be in distress. Michael LaSalle, assistant chief of the Boca Raton Fire Department, confirmed that all three passengers on board were killed in the crash.
In the chaos that followed, another individual on the ground was injured. This person, who was driving on Military Trail at the time of the crash, swerved to avoid the fireball that erupted from the aircraft and collided with a tree. Fortunately, their injuries were deemed non-life-threatening, and they were transported to a local hospital.
Local authorities responded swiftly to the scene, with Boca Raton Fire Rescue units arriving shortly after the crash was reported. Eyewitness accounts described a scene filled with smoke and flames, as debris from the plane scattered across both the roadway and nearby Tri-Rail tracks. Aerial footage showed a significant amount of wreckage littered across the area, prompting emergency responders to implement road closures to ensure public safety.
As of 11:00 a.m., traffic was severely impacted, with congestion reported on I-95 both north and south of Glades Road. The Boca Raton Police Department closed several surrounding roads, including Military Trail between Butts Road and Northwest 19th Street, and the I-95 exit to Glades Road. The Glades Road overpass was also closed in both directions, complicating the already challenging traffic situation.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the plane was a 1977 Cessna 310R, registered to a Delaware LLC. The FAA, alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), has launched an investigation into the crash. Initial radar tracking indicated that the plane circled the area for several minutes before descending, never ascending beyond 600 feet.
Witnesses described the moment of the crash as shocking, with one individual stating, “I just saw it come down and basically just drop below the tree line.” They recalled a loud explosion that shook nearby buildings and sent plumes of smoke into the sky. Another witness noted that the vibrations felt like an earthquake, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
As the investigation unfolds, local officials are urging residents to avoid the area surrounding Military Trail and Glades Road. Tri-Rail service between Deerfield Beach and north of Boca Raton has been suspended, with bus services temporarily set up to transport affected passengers. The closures have also impacted Amtrak services, with multiple train cancellations announced due to the ongoing situation.
Senator Lori Berman expressed her condolences, stating, “I am incredibly grateful to the first responders, law enforcement officers, and emergency personnel who arrived with urgency and bravery at the scene. The loss of life in such a sudden and violent manner is heartbreaking.” Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the community’s mourning and the importance of respecting the families affected by this tragedy.
In light of this incident, many are reflecting on the safety record of Boca Raton Airport. The last significant crash at the facility occurred in 2000, when a Learjet collided with another aircraft shortly after takeoff. Fortunately, the airport has maintained a strong safety record since then, with the recent crash marking a somber moment in its history.
The NTSB will be the lead agency in determining the cause of the crash, with investigators expected to examine maintenance records, pilot training, and other factors that could have contributed to the mechanical failure reported by the pilot before the accident.
As this is a developing story, updates will continue to emerge as officials gather more information and conduct their investigations. The community of Boca Raton is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, as families mourn the loss of their loved ones and the investigation seeks to uncover the truth behind the crash.
