Local News
Graphic Video Captures Deadly Small Plane Crash Near Boca Raton Airport, Bodies Visible at Scene
A small twin-engine aircraft crashed near the Boca Raton Airport on the morning of Friday, April 11, 2025, killing all three individuals on board and sending shockwaves through the local community.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:12 a.m. near the intersection of Military Trail and Glades Road, within close proximity to the airport.
Graphic video footage from the scene, widely circulated on social media, captured the harrowing final moments of the aircraft as it descended rapidly and exploded upon impact, sending a fireball and thick black plumes of smoke into the sky.
Bodies were visible at the scene, and the wreckage scattered across Military Trail and nearby railroad tracks.
According to Boca Raton Assistant Fire Chief Michael LaSalle, the aircraft—a Cessna 310—reported mechanical difficulties shortly after takeoff.
The plane had departed from Boca Raton Airport and was en route to Tallahassee International Airport.
Approximately a mile from the airport, the plane lost control and crashed onto Military Trail.
“All three individuals on board were pronounced dead at the scene,” LaSalle confirmed during a press briefing. “One motorist who was driving on Military Trail at the time suffered non-life-threatening injuries after swerving to avoid the crash and colliding with a tree. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.”
Emergency crews responded swiftly and were able to contain the blaze shortly after the crash. The large plume of smoke was visible for miles and prompted immediate lockdowns and emergency protocols at nearby schools, businesses, and residential areas.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, pending notification of next of kin.
As a result of the crash, Boca Raton police closed several major roads in the area, including North Military Trail between Northwest 19th Street and Butts Road.
The intersection of Glades Road and Military Trail also remains closed. The Interstate 95 overpass at Glades Road was shut down in both directions, causing significant traffic disruptions.
The Boca Raton Airport has been closed temporarily, and officials at Boca Raton Community High School urged parents not to pick up students due to congestion and road closures.
The School District of Palm Beach County has issued an alert warning of limited access to the campus as emergency crews remain on scene.
The crash also affected regional transit. Tri-Rail announced that rail service has been temporarily suspended between the Deerfield Beach and Boca Raton stations, with a bus bridge in place to transport passengers between the two.
Rail service remains operational north of Boca and south of Deerfield, though officials are advising commuters to expect delays and seek alternate routes where possible.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has assumed lead responsibility for the investigation. A spokesperson confirmed that investigators would arrive in Boca Raton around 4 p.m. to begin a formal inquiry.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also assisting with the investigation and will remain in close coordination with local authorities.
The Boca Raton Airport is a state-owned public-use general aviation facility located approximately two miles northwest of downtown Boca Raton, adjacent to Florida Atlantic University and visible from Interstate 95.
It is operated by the Boca Raton Airport Authority, a seven-member board appointed by the City of Boca Raton and the Palm Beach County Commission.
Officials have urged the public to avoid the area surrounding the crash site while the investigation is underway.
More information is expected to be released as the NTSB conducts its initial assessment.
Local News
Authorities Identify Three Missing Girls in Missouri River Near Dodge Park
A 13-year-old girl was the only one who managed to get out of the water.
Authorities in Omaha have confirmed that search and recovery efforts are ongoing for three girls who went missing in the Missouri River near NP Dodge Park on Tuesday evening, April 15, 2025.
According to officials, four girls had gone fishing and entered the water near a boat dock in the area around 6:00 p.m. Witnesses reported that the girls began to struggle as they floated down the river.
A 13-year-old girl was the only one who managed to get out of the water.
She was later found on the riverbank, visibly distressed and crying.
Omaha Fire Battalion Chief Coby Werner stated that the girl, who was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, informed emergency responders that she was related to the three others who were still missing.
The missing individuals have been identified as 18-year-old Laiana Green, 18-year-old Lah K. Tray Moo, and 11-year-old Eh Cress Moo.
Authorities have not released information suggesting that any of the girls were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
What began as a rescue operation on Tuesday evening has now transitioned into a recovery mission, as confirmed by Omaha Fire and Rescue on Wednesday morning.
The water temperature in the Missouri River, currently around 45 degrees Fahrenheit, poses a serious risk by potentially delaying the resurfacing of individuals, officials noted.
Search crews were forced to suspend operations around sunset on Tuesday due to low visibility and safety concerns.
The recovery effort resumed early Wednesday morning with a more coordinated strategy—agencies were assigned designated areas along the river to search individually to maximize coverage.
Despite some promising signals throughout the day, those sightings were ultimately determined to be debris.
Emergency services have expanded their search zone and plan to continue efforts into the weekend, moving further downstream. Specialized equipment, including sonar technology, drones, and aerial surveillance from a police helicopter, is being utilized to aid in locating the missing girls.
As of Wednesday evening, eight boats and four responding agencies were actively involved in the search, including Omaha Fire Department, Bennington Fire Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“The Missouri River is extremely hazardous, especially at night,” said Battalion Chief Werner. “There’s a strong current, submerged debris, and poor visibility. Earlier today, we saw a large tree float past, which shows how dangerous this environment is for our crews.”
Authorities are requesting the public to avoid the river while recovery operations continue and urge community members to keep the families of the missing girls in their thoughts.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” said a spokesperson for Omaha Fire. “But we remain committed to bringing closure to these families. Our teams will be out here at first light every day until this mission is complete.”