Several people have lost their lives this Friday in an air accident that occurred in the vicinity of North Andros airport, in the Bahamas. The aircraft, operated by Flamingo Air, was making the journey between Lynden Pindling International Airport, in New Providence, and San Andros with seven people on board, according to the initial data released by the authorities, who have not yet detailed the exact number of fatalities.
The accident occurred in the Pine Yard area, near the North Andros airport facilities. Emergency services were dispatched to the impact site after receiving the alert, and subsequently, authorities confirmed the existence of several deceased individuals and at least one survivor.
After learning of the accident, the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Philip Davis, expressed his condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected and announced the opening of an official investigation to clarify what happened.
"At this time, the facts are still being clarified and the relevant authorities are working to determine exactly what happened. We understand that there were casualties on board and that one person survived. Ann and I pray for the families who are now facing unbearable pain," Davis stated in a social media post.
The Head of Government indicated that the competent institutions will continue to provide data as it is confirmed and called for respect and consideration for the families throughout the investigation process.
"We also pray for the survivor, whose recovery and care will remain in our thoughts. This is a painful time. The affected families deserve compassion, privacy, and support as the investigation progresses," he added, before reiterating that the relevant authorities will inform the public "as more confirmed information becomes available."
The Bahamas Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) has stated that the crashed aircraft is a 'Cessna 402' with registration C6-FLX.
According to the initial conclusions gathered, the plane had departed from Lynden Pindling International Airport shortly after 1:00 PM (local time) bound for San Andros airport and had experienced in-flight incidents before crashing in a vegetated area.
Flamingo Air has confirmed that the aircraft was part of its fleet and has assured that it will fully cooperate with the agencies responsible for determining the causes of the accident.
"We can confirm that an aircraft owned by Flamingo Air was involved in a fatal accident in the North Andros area, Bahamas, today, July 10, 2026," the airline said in a statement reported by the local press.
The company has also extended its condolences to the families and friends of the victims and has committed to disseminating additional information "as the facts become known."
Following the accident, aviation authorities have decided to temporarily suspend Flamingo Air's air operator certificate as a preventive safety measure.
The Ministry of Energy, Utilities, and Aviation has explained that the measure has been adopted "in the interest of aviation safety," after two safety-related incidents were recorded during the day.
In this regard, the Ministry has stressed that the suspension should not be understood as a punishment for the airline, but as a precautionary action while the investigations are carried out.
"Furthermore, the Director General of the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority has indicated that the suspension is a preventive safety measure and should not be considered an adverse disciplinary action against Flamingo Air," the government department has emphasized.
In parallel, the AAIA has reported that a team of investigators has traveled to North Andros along with inspectors from the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority and personnel from the Airport Authority to examine the impact site and determine the causes of the accident.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force, emergency medical services, and airport authorities also intervened in the operation deployed after the accident.
As a gesture of mourning, the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Heritage has decided to reconvert the planned celebration for Family Independence Day at Clifford Park into a commemorative event dedicated to the victims.
The Minister of Culture, Leslia Miller Brice, stated that the ceremony would now be transformed "into a tribute to those who have passed away in today's tragic air accident" and invited citizens to join in a moment of prayer and reflection. "May this be an evening of reflection, hope, and seeking God's guidance for The Bahamas," the minister added.