A business jet crashed while attempting to land at a Maine airport, authorities confirmed, with all passengers presumed dead as the region battled a powerful winter storm that brought heavy snow and harsh conditions.
The aircraft went down during treacherous weather, which included strong winds, snow squalls and reduced visibility, as the storm battered the Northeast. Emergency crews responded to the crash site, but officials indicated that survival prospects were extremely slim given the force of the impact and the ongoing storm conditions.
The identities of the passengers and crew aboard the jet have not yet been released. Search and recovery efforts are complicated by deep snow and hazardous conditions, slowing responders’ access to the scene.
Local and federal aviation authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, focusing on weather conditions, aircraft systems, and flight communications leading up to the accident.
The tragedy adds to the widespread disruption caused by the intense winter storm that has affected travel, power infrastructure, and public safety across several states. Communities throughout the Northeast have been urged to stay off the roads as crews work to restore services and respond to emergencies.
Officials said they will provide updates as more information becomes available, including details on the victims and preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation.