10 Died in North Andros Plane Crash as Bahamas Marked 53rd Independence

A small plane crashed in North Andros on Friday, killing all 10 people on board and casting a shadow over The Bahamas’ 53rd Independence Day celebrations.

According to Caribbean National Weekly, the Bahamian-registered Cessna 402, operated by Flamingo Air, departed Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau and was headed to San Andros when it crashed. The accident is being investigated by the Bahamian Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority.

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis initially said one person had survived the crash. However, during a later press conference, he confirmed that the survivor had died from their injuries, bringing the death toll to 10.

The victims have not yet been publicly identified.

“We gather beneath a cloud of great sorrow,” Davis said. “It has become a day of mourning.”

He also extended condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.

“To every family that has received the devastating news that someone they love will not be coming home, we offer our deepest condolences,” the Prime Minister said.

Earlier in the day, before the survivor’s death was confirmed, Davis said he had been briefed by the Commissioner of Police and noted that investigators were still working to determine what caused the crash.

“At this stage, the facts are still being established, and the relevant authorities are working to determine exactly what occurred,” he said in a statement. “The families affected deserve compassion, privacy, and support as the investigation proceeds.”

Following the fatal crash, the Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation announced the temporary suspension of Flamingo Air’s Air Operator Certificate as a precautionary safety measure while investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The ministry said the suspension followed two separate aviation safety incidents involving the airline on Friday.

Energy, Utilities and Aviation Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis said the first incident occurred earlier in the day when another Flamingo Air aircraft, which was en route to Mayaguana, returned to Nassau after the pilot reported a concern. After passengers safely disembarked, the aircraft caught fire. No injuries were reported in that incident.

Officials have not indicated whether the two incidents are connected.

Authorities said investigations into both events are ongoing, and the government has pledged to provide updates as more confirmed information becomes available.