Local News
Bombardier Challenger 650 private jet carrying 8 people crashed on takeoff from Bangor International Airport in Maine
BANGOR, Maine — Emergency crews responded to reports of an aircraft crash at Bangor International Airport on Sunday after a private business jet was involved in an incident during takeoff, prompting the immediate closure of the airport’s runway.
Airport officials issued a public advisory stating, “Please avoid the airport. The runway is closed at this time,” as first responders secured the scene and assessed the situation.
Preliminary reports indicate the aircraft involved was a Bombardier Challenger 650 business jet, carrying eight people at the time of the incident.
According to available ADS-B flight tracking data, the jet had recently arrived from Houston and was attempting to depart Bangor when the crash occurred.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the extent of injuries or whether there were any fatalities.
Emergency medical personnel and airport fire crews remain on scene as part of the ongoing response.
Unconfirmed records reviewed by Arnold & Itkin LLP suggest the aircraft may be registered to a law firm; however, officials have not formally verified ownership details at this time.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other investigative agencies are expected to review the incident to determine the cause of the crash.
Airport operations remain suspended while the runway is closed for emergency response and investigation.
Further details will be released as more information becomes available.
Local News
Tater Johnson killed after bus carrying Iowa Lakes Community College basketball team rolled over in Calhoun County
CALHOUN COUNTY, Iowa — One person has died and multiple others were injured following a rollover bus crash on Highway 4 in Calhoun County, Iowa, according to the Iowa State Patrol. Officials later identified the victim as 19-year-old Tater Johnson of Rapid City, South Dakota.
The accident occurred at approximately 11:06 a.m., when the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls reporting that a bus operated by Iowa Lakes Community College had crashed.
A state trooper arrived at the scene within minutes, the Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency said in a release.
Preliminary findings indicate the bus left the roadway and overturned into a ditch. Authorities confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the incident.
A total of 33 individuals were on board at the time of the crash, and officials confirmed that all occupants were accounted for.
Given the number of victims, emergency responders declared a Mass Casualty Incident, prompting a large-scale response from local fire departments, emergency medical services, and law enforcement agencies.
Thirty-two passengers were triaged at the scene and transported to several area hospitals. Injuries were reported to range from minor to serious, and multiple medical helicopters were requested to assist with the rapid transport of critically injured patients.
Officials also clarified that six occupants traveling in a separate Iowa Lakes van were not involved in the crash.
Iowa Lakes Community College confirmed that members of its baseball team were aboard the bus at the time of the accident. The team was traveling to Arkansas for a scheduled game against the North Arkansas Pioneers.
In a statement, the college said it would not immediately release additional names or details but emphasized that institutional leaders are working closely with local authorities to gather more information.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority,” the college said. “The College is actively supporting those affected and communicating directly with families.”
Iowa Highway 4 was closed in both directions following the crash, which occurred just north of the Twin Lakes area, as emergency crews worked to treat victims and secure the scene.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol.
U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra, who represents Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, expressed concern following the incident.
“I am deeply concerned about this accident and grateful to our local law enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, first responders, and medical professionals who have been quickly responding at the scene,” Feenstra said.
The North Arkansas Pioneers also released a statement on social media offering support to those impacted.
“We ask our entire community to please lift up everyone involved, their families, and the entire Iowa Lakes community in prayer during this difficult time.”
Authorities are expected to release additional updates as the investigation progresses.