The crash site is located roughly eight miles from President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
Bystanders’ actions spark debate online
Footage of the aftermath shared by Breaking911 on X shows flames burning along a damaged stretch of roadway, with shattered pavement, scattered debris, and a massive crater left by the impact.
Several people can be seen standing near the wreckage as vehicles pass through the area.
The video also appears to show a man and a woman walking barefoot across the damaged roadway, dangerously close to the crash site.
Many viewers were confused by the pair’s lack of footwear. “There is genuinely something seriously wrong with u if ur walking barefoot 2 feet from where a f***ing Plane Crashed,” one user said.
Another echoed: “The concept of walking barefoot in a city and near a plane crush if it is even possible. The f*** is wrong with people??”
A third added: “Yup who the f*** is walking around barefoot in that scene with all the dangers debris on the ground?”
However, not everyone agreed with the criticism, with others suggesting the two individuals may have been forced to leave their homes suddenly following the crash.
“The whole neighborhood just got blown up, yah, some people might have not been prepared for it and left their houses with no shoes….not really the most ?????? In this event,” one person argued.
A second chimed in: “A plane crashed next to the trailer park they are living. They were at home, not wearing shoes. They are in shock. It’s completely normal for them to throw themselves out running around. Stop being an idiot…”
Pilot issued a chilling final warning before the crash
Details have emerged about the aircraft’s final moments, including a series of distress calls made by the pilot before the jet plunged to the ground.
The jet was flying east at approximately 35,000 feet when the pilots reported two problems: icing and turbulence causing altitude fluctuations of up to 700 feet.
According to air traffic control recordings captured by LiveATC.net, the pilot initially indicated that the conditions were manageable.
“We have light, clear ice that is manageable and moderate turbulence,” the pilot told controllers.
However, the situation quickly deteriorated after the plane encountered precipitation, and the crew requested permission to climb another 2,000 feet.
Moments later, the aircraft entered a steep descent, which led to the pilot declaring an emergency.
“We’re descending 8,000 – mayday, mayday – we’re descending 10,000 feet per minute,” the pilot radioed.
“We are in an overspeed condition descending 20,000 feet per minute,” they said, before delivering a chilling final warning of what was about to happen: “We’re going to crash into the ground.”
Authorities launch investigation into deadly crash
Following the tragedy, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis revealed that there were no immediate reports of any bystanders on the ground being injured or killed.
“It was a cataclysmic plane crash; it looked like a missile going down and left a big crater on the side of the road,” he said.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Military Trail had been closed in both directions between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North while emergency crews responded.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue also warned drivers to avoid the area, and motorists are urged to seek alternate routes as officials continue investigating.