BANGOR MAINE, seven passengers were killed and one crew member survived after a plane crashed Sunday night at Bangor International Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The aircraft involved was a Bombardier Challenger 650 business jet that went down while attempting to take off shortly before 8:00 p.m. local time.
The jet, owned by Houston-based law firm Arnold & Itkin LLP, was carrying a total of eight people at the time of the crash.
Authorities initially said the conditions of those on board were unknown. The FAA later confirmed that seven passengers died as a result of the crash and that one crew member survived.
Flight records show the aircraft departed Houston earlier in the day and landed at Bangor International Airport at approximately 6:09 p.m.
Less than two hours later, the jet attempted to take off again when the crash occurred. Officials have not explained why the aircraft was preparing to depart again so soon after landing.
Bangor International Airport confirmed at 8:25 p.m. that an aircraft incident was under investigation and said emergency crews were actively responding at the scene.
Airport officials urged the public to avoid the area, noting that the runway was closed following the crash.
Images from the scene showed a large emergency response on the runway, with smoke visible near the damaged aircraft.
Weather conditions at the time included heavy snowfall, though authorities have not confirmed whether weather was a contributing factor. Several nearby residents reported hearing a loud boom and described sounds similar to an explosion at the time of the incident.
Aviation tracking data indicates the aircraft is registered to Arnold & Itkin LLP. Officials have not confirmed whether any employees or representatives of the firm were among the passengers.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board said they will conduct a joint investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Additional information is expected to be released as the investigation continues.
