A Cessna 680A business jet crashed on Loop 20 highway in Laredo, Texas, on Tuesday night, killing one of the six people aboard and prompting bystanders to use tools to break through the cockpit and rescue passengers from the burning aircraft. The crash occurred around 10 p.m. and left the plane tipped on its side and nearly sheared in half.
The aircraft had departed from San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, and was bound for Austin when it went down on the highway. The plane struck a vehicle traveling southbound during the crash. Five first responders were treated for smoke inhalation after responding to the scene. Loop 20 remained shut down in both directions following the incident.
Main Developments
Dashcam video captured the terrifying moments as the plane skidded down the highway, knocking over streetlights in its path. Witnesses described a scene of chaos as the aircraft came to rest engulfed in flames.
Zayra Garza, an esthetician who witnessed the crash and recorded video at the scene, described her experience. “It looked like part of a movie. I was in shock. What was worrying me was the fire. I was concerned that it could have just exploded at any time,” Garza said.
Bystanders at the scene took immediate action to help those trapped inside. Using a shovel and sledgehammer, they broke the cockpit glass and pried open the door to free passengers before emergency crews arrived. Their quick actions may have been critical given the fire surrounding the aircraft.
A call about mechanical issues was made around 9:55 p.m. Tuesday, approximately five minutes before the crash occurred. Authorities have not elaborated on the nature of those mechanical issues.
What We Know So Far
Six people were aboard the Cessna 680A business jet when it crashed. One person died in the crash. Police have not officially identified the victim.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz from Texas identified the victim as Josh Baer, founder of Austin-based technology venture firm Capital Factory. In a statement, Cruz said: “Josh has been one of the most significant figures driving innovation and entrepreneurship across America. In Texas, he made our state a global leader. His impact was incalculable.”
Capital Factory released a statement following the crash: “While we are devastated by this unimaginable loss, Josh built an incredibly resilient organization and team.”
The crash marks the third significant aviation accident in as many days. Laredo Mayor Victor Trevino addressed the incident and the ongoing investigation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones affected by the recent private jet crash,” Mayor Trevino said. “Aviation investigations take time, and it is important that we avoid speculation while the facts are being gathered.”
Emergency Response and Injuries
First responders faced dangerous conditions when they arrived at the crash site. Five first responders required medical treatment for smoke inhalation sustained while working to rescue passengers and contain the fire.
Jose Baeza, a Laredo police investigator, was among officials who addressed the media at a press conference Wednesday morning. The FBI is on site along with other federal agencies as part of the response to the crash.
The conditions of the passengers who survived the crash have not been disclosed by authorities.
What Happens Next
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash, with the NTSB taking the lead role in the investigation. Investigators will retrieve the plane’s black box as part of their efforts to determine what caused the aircraft to go down.
Loop 20 remained closed in both directions as of Wednesday morning while investigators worked at the scene. Authorities have not provided a timeline for when the highway might reopen.
The investigation will examine the mechanical issues that were reported minutes before the crash, though officials have not provided details about what those issues entailed.
Important Details
The crash occurred on Loop 20 in Laredo, a major highway in the border city. The plane struck a vehicle that was traveling southbound at the time of the crash. Information about the occupants of that vehicle has not been released.
The Cessna 680A is a business jet commonly used for private travel. The aircraft had been traveling from San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, to Austin, Texas, when the incident occurred.
Multiple federal agencies are now involved in the response and investigation. The presence of the FBI alongside the FAA and NTSB indicates the serious nature of the investigation, though authorities have not specified why the FBI is involved.
Community Response
The quick thinking of bystanders who rushed toward the burning aircraft drew attention from officials and witnesses. Rather than fleeing the dangerous scene, these individuals grabbed tools and worked to break through the cockpit to reach those trapped inside.
Witnesses at the scene described the crash as surreal. The dashcam footage showing the plane skidding along the highway while knocking down streetlights captured the severity of the impact.
Mayor Trevino’s call for patience during the investigation reflects the complexity of determining what caused the crash. Aviation investigations typically take months or longer to complete as investigators examine wreckage, review flight data, and interview witnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Texas highway plane crash happen?
The crash occurred on Loop 20 highway in Laredo, Texas, on Tuesday night around 10 p.m.
How many people were on the plane that crashed in Laredo?
Six people were aboard the Cessna 680A business jet. One person died in the crash.
Who is investigating the Laredo plane crash?
The FAA and NTSB will investigate the crash, with the NTSB taking the lead. The FBI is also on site along with other federal agencies.
What type of plane crashed on the Texas highway?
The aircraft was a Cessna 680A business jet that had departed from San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, bound for Austin, Texas.
Is Loop 20 in Laredo still closed?
As of Wednesday morning, Loop 20 remained shut down in both directions while investigators worked at the crash scene.
The investigation into the crash continues as federal agencies work to determine what caused the private jet to go down on the Laredo highway. Authorities have asked the public to avoid speculation while investigators gather facts about the incident that claimed one life and brought bystanders and first responders together in a dramatic rescue effort.
