10 killed after small plane crashes in Bahamas

San Juan: At least 10 people were killed after a small aircraft crashed in the Bahamas on Friday, authorities said, prompting the government to temporarily suspend operations by Flamingo Air while the incident is investigated.

The crash occurred in North Andros, west of the Bahamian capital of Nassau. Officials confirmed that there were multiple casualties, while one person survived the accident.

Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis said police had informed him about the tragedy and expressed his condolences to the victims' families.

"Praying for the families who are now facing unbearable grief. We are also praying for the survivor, whose recovery and care will remain in our thoughts."

The Bahamian Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority said in a statement that the plane had departed Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau and was headed to San Andros when it crashed. It identified the plane as a Cessna 402 aircraft registered in the Bahamas.

The Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation announced that Flamingo Air's Air Operator Certificate had been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure while investigators determine the cause of the crash.

According to the ministry, the suspension follows two safety incidents involving the airline on Friday. An investigation into the accident is underway.