11/07/2026 03:55 - Internacionales
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, an archipelago globally renowned for its turquoise waters and idyllic climate, was enveloped in deep sorrow on Friday, July 10, 2026. During the festivities for the Bahamas Independence Day, a small commercial aircraft operated by local airline Flamingo Air crashed on the island of North Andros, resulting in 10 fatal victims (nine passengers and the pilot).
The aircraft, a Cessna 402 model registered as C6-FLX, had taken off from the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau (the nation's capital) bound for San Andros airport. According to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA), the plane experienced difficulties shortly after 1:00 PM local time and plummeted into bushes. Initially, it was reported that one person had survived the impact, but tragically, they passed away hours later due to the severity of their injuries, as confirmed by Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis.
The tragedy was not the only challenge Flamingo Air faced that day. The Ministry of Energy, Public Utilities, and Aviation made the swift decision to preventively suspend the airline's air operator certificate.
Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis confirmed that, hours before the fatal crash, another aircraft from the same company heading to Mayaguana island had to return to Nassau following a pilot's warning. Once the aircraft landed and passengers were safely evacuated, the plane caught fire on the runway. Fortunately, this first incident resulted in no casualties, but authorities are working diligently to determine if both events are related.
| Date | July 10, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Location | North Andros, Bahamas |
| Aircraft | Cessna 402 |
| Registration | C6-FLX |
| Airline | Flamingo Air |
| Victims | 10 (9 passengers + 1 pilot) |
| Origin | Nassau (Lynden Pindling Airport) |
| Destination | San Andros |
Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis addressed the nation to offer his condolences, transforming the Independence Day celebration at Clifford Park into a memorial to honor the victims. This day of celebration has turned into a day of mourning, the Prime Minister stated, reaffirming the government's commitment to a transparent investigation: We owe it to the families and the integrity of the investigation.
Meanwhile, Flamingo Air issued a statement conveying their deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims, committing to fully cooperate with the relevant authorities.
For those unfamiliar with regional aviation, the Cessna 402 is a high-wing, twin-engine utility aircraft widely used for short-distance regional flights. It is especially common in island regions like the Caribbean, where connecting small islands to continental capitals is essential. Its design allows it to transport between 10 and 14 passengers depending on the configuration. Local authorities have deployed their investigation team to clarify whether the causes were linked to technical, weather, or maintenance failures, ensuring a safer future for all travelers.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
