Private jet crashes in US, seven dead

Boston: All seven people aboard a small private jet were killed when the plane crashed and burst into flames in a wooded area while taking off from an air force base in Massachusetts, authorities said on Sunday.

The Gulfstream IV jet was taking off yesterday from the Hanscom Air Force Base at 9.40 pm (local time) when it ran into a wooded area.

All seven aboard the jet died, CNN quoted Sharon Williams, director of Hanscom Field airport, as saying.

She said that families of the victims are being notified.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to them tonight,” she said without giving the names of the deceased.

Officials said the private aircraft that was heading to Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Airport operations at Hanscom have been shut down. Williams said the airport would remain closed indefinitely. Nearby residents recounted seeing a fireball and feeling the blast of the explosion shake their homes.