NASSAU, BAHAMAS: A day meant for national celebration has been overshadowed by tragedy after a Flamingo Air crash in Andros claimed the lives of 10 people, including the pilot and nine passengers.
Prime Minister Philip Davis described the crash as another painful chapter in the nation’s history, saying a day that should have been filled with pride, gratitude and hope had instead become one of mourning.
“Today is a day of celebration but has become a day of mourning,” Davis said while extending condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones.
“There are no words that can take away your pain,” the Prime Minister said, as he urged Bahamians to keep grieving families, first responders and investigators in their prayers.
“We have mourned too many lives, comforted too many families and today we mourn again,” Davis added.
Opposition Leader Michael Pintard joined in expressing condolences, calling on the country to stand together during what he described as a painful moment that transcends political lines.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy,” Pintard said.
He also encouraged Bahamians to pray for those responding to the disaster and for investigators working to determine what caused the crash, with the hope that lessons learned will help improve aviation safety.
The crash has also sent shockwaves through the local entertainment community, with several victims believed to be members of popular Bahamian rake ‘n’ scrape group Da Pond Band.
While authorities have not yet officially released the identities of those killed, sources have identified Quinton Myers, Mateo Winder, Rashad Storr, keyboardist Giovanni McKenzie, singer Travis Johnson, pilot Franklyn Cambridge and Macaro Rolle among those believed to have died.
Rolle was initially reported to be the sole survivor of the crash, however he later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators say the tragedy unfolded shortly before 2 p.m. when officers at the Nicholls Town Police Station received reports of a small aircraft crash in bushes near San Andros Airport.
Police, emergency personnel and members of the community responded to the scene and attempted to reach those aboard the aircraft.
Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles said she had dispatched a team of investigators to Andros, including an officer recently trained in air crash investigations in California.
Aviation Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis confirmed that the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for Flamingo Air has been suspended as authorities investigate.
Coleby-Davis also revealed that earlier on Friday, aviation investigators were notified of a separate incident involving a Flamingo Air aircraft.
She said the aircraft was travelling to Mayaguana when it turned back to Nassau. After all passengers had safely disembarked, a fire was discovered on board.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) has confirmed that it is investigating the crash involving aircraft registration C6-FLX. It noted in a statement that preliminary information indicated the Cessna 402 aircraft departed Lynden Pindling International Airport and encountered difficulties before crashing into bushes while approaching San Andros Airport. The AAIA has extended condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected and says further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
