Ten killed in Bahamas plane crash, govt. halts Flamingo Air
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- All 10 people aboard the Flamingo Air plane were killed in the Bahamas crash.
- Authorities suspended Flamingo Air's operations pending the investigation.
- The crash cast a shadow over the Bahamas' 53rd Independence Day celebrations.
- Prime Minister Philip Davis issued a national message of mourning.
A small twin-engine aircraft crashed into dense brush on Andros Island, killing all 10 people on board and casting a dark shadow over national holiday celebrations, Bahamian officials announced.
The aircraft, a Bahamas-registered Cessna 402 operated by regional carrier Flamingo Air, departed Lynden Pindling International Airport in the capital city of Nassau at approximately 12:30 p.m. bound for San Andros Airport.
Just before 2:00 p.m., police in Nicholls Town on North Andros received emergency reports that the aircraft had gone down just west of its destination airfield.
Royal Bahamas Police Force Commissioner Shanta Emily Knowles stated that first responders arriving at the scene initially pulled one heavily injured survivor from the structural wreckage.
However, the individual subsequently died from critical trauma, bringing the total fatality count to 10. Officials have not yet formally released the names or identities of the victims.
A preliminary report issued by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority of the Bahamas indicated that the twin-engine plane "encountered difficulties and crashed into bushes prior to landing."
Following the fatal accident, the Bahamas Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation issued an immediate directive temporarily suspending all Flamingo Air operations.
Regulators emphasized that the grounding serves as a "precautionary safety measure" and should not be viewed as an adverse compliance action against the airline.
I have been briefed by the Commissioner of Police on the aircraft incident now under investigation.
— Philip Brave Davis (@HonPhilipEDavis) July 10, 2026
At this stage, the facts are still being established, and the relevant authorities are working to determine exactly what occurred. We understand that there were casualties on…
National holiday turned to mourning
The tragic accident coincided with the 53rd anniversary of the Bahamas’ independence from Great Britain, a major national milestone traditionally celebrated with parades, musical festivals, and cultural events across the archipelago.
The aircraft disaster immediately altered the tone of the national celebrations, drawing emotional statements from top executive leadership.
"It is a day that usually fills our heart with pride, gratitude and hope," Prime Minister Philip Davis said during a joint news conference. "Instead, we gather beneath a cloud of great sorrow."
