On Sunday morning a Learjet 60 plunged into a road in the Greenacres area of Palm Beach County, killing all nine people on board and causing extensive damage to nearby homes. Residents described the scene as a “meteor hit the ground” and reported flames licking houses and streets.

Eyewitness accounts

Anthony Blackmon, who lives about 500 feet from the impact site, said debris rained down on his house and the road was engulfed in fire. “Debris was everywhere. Debris hit my house. Everything was on fire,” he told reporters.

Roger Forcelle, another neighbor, felt the aircraft pass directly over his home before it crashed less than a half‑mile away. “It shook the whole house. Everybody came out of their houses because you could feel it shaking,” he recalled.

Immediate response

District 3 Commissioner Joel Flores confirmed that county officials are coordinating shelter and assistance for the roughly 600 people displaced by the crash, many of whom live in a nearby mobile‑home park. “We have about 600 people that we have to make sure that they have shelter tonight,” Flores said.

The Red Cross has set up a staging area to provide additional services, including food, clothing and temporary bedding. County emergency management teams are conducting safety checks on damaged structures and ensuring that utilities are shut off where necessary to prevent further hazards.

Impact on the community

The crash has left a deep emotional scar on the Greenacres community. Residents who fled their homes reported seeing a massive cloud of smoke rising from the crash site and expressed uncertainty about when they will be able to return.

Local officials emphasized that the priority is to secure safe housing for those affected and to begin the process of cleaning up the debris. “Our first concern is getting everyone a safe place to stay tonight and tomorrow,” Flores added.

Investigation underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched investigators to the scene to determine the cause of the crash. While the investigation is in its early stages, authorities have not released details about the aircraft’s flight plan or any potential mechanical issues.

Residents are urged to stay clear of the crash site and follow updates from county officials and emergency services. Further information will be provided as the investigation progresses and as shelter resources become available.

Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.