A private jet crashed upon take-off on a Massachusetts airport runway Saturday night — killing all seven people on board.
Officials say the plane was on its way to Atlantic City from Hanscom Field airport when it ran off the runway and burst into flames. As of Sunday morning, officials had not released the identities of the victims. (Via Fox News)
But The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting the paper's co-owner, Lewis Katz, was among the victims. He was 72 years old.
Officials say that plane crashed into a heavily wooded area next to the runway. According to NECN, officials also believe fuel from the jet might have leaked into a nearby creek. (Via Twitter / @k590)
The Boston Globe reports firefighters quickly arrived at the scene and were able to extinguish the flames, which witnesses say rose about 60 feet in the air.
WBZ-TV has this footage showing the crash site early Sunday morning. Officials say the plane had arrived earlier Saturday afternoon from New Jersey and planned to return that evening.
The airport serves the general public as well as the nearby Hanscom Air Force Base. The cause of the crash is not known as of Sunday morning.
Officials say the plane was a Gulfstream IV, a twin-engine jet mainly used for private or business use. The U.S. military also operates a similar model. (Via Wikimedia Commons / Planephotoman)
Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident. The airport will remain closed for an unspecified amount of time.
