A twin-engine Cessna 310R crashed onto Tri-Rail train tracks near Interstate 95 in Boca Raton Friday morning, forcing the closure of major roadways and halting train service across the region. The aircraft went down shortly after 10:30 a.m., scattering debris across North Military Trail and the nearby tracks.
According to the FAA and airport officials, the Cessna had been airborne for less than 20 minutes after taking off from Boca Raton Airport before it came crashing down. The plane’s final moments were captured on Flightradar24, which shows an abrupt drop in altitude moments before impact.
See also: Tragedy Strikes: Fatal Plane Crash Near Pitt-Greenville Airport
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, where the aircraft lay in fragments across the railway corridor. Chopper 4 aerial footage revealed fire retardant sprayed across the crash site and several fire trucks and police units securing the perimeter.
A small plane crashed earlier today in Boca Raton, Florida. pic.twitter.com/BJ4e1EYrK3
— Pop Base (@PopBase) April 11, 2025
Boca Raton Crash Forces Closures on Roads and Tri-Rail
The crash caused immediate gridlock. Boca Raton Police announced the closure of North Military Trail between Northwest 19th Street and Butts Road. In addition, the I-95 overpass at Glades Road was shut down in both directions, stranding thousands of drivers during the busy morning commute.
Train service was suspended indefinitely, with Tri-Rail establishing a temporary bus bridge to shuttle passengers between the Deerfield Beach and Boca Raton stations. The Boca Raton Airport was also temporarily closed while federal authorities assessed the scene.
“We’re urging all drivers to avoid the area entirely. It’s a highly active scene,” the police said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: N. Military Trail is closed between NW 19th St. and Butts Rd. due to small aircraft crash. I-95 overpass at Glades Rd. is also closed eastbound and westbound. Avoid the Area. pic.twitter.com/U0XjnSd76O
— Boca Raton Police (@BocaPolice) April 11, 2025
Unclear If There Were Survivors
As of late Friday morning, law enforcement has not confirmed whether anyone aboard the aircraft survived. It remains unknown how many people were on board at the time of the crash. The FAA and NTSB have been notified and are expected to open an investigation into the cause of the incident.
Local news outlet WPTV reported that the plane appeared to be a privately owned propeller aircraft and was not part of any commercial operation.
Boca Raton High School, located just a short distance from the crash site, remained open. School officials assured parents that students were safe and urged them not to attempt pick-ups due to surrounding road closures and traffic congestion.
See also: The Physics of a Plane Crash: Why Delta Flight 4819 Flipped
FAA and NTSB Investigations Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it is working with the National Transportation Safety Board to determine the circumstances that led to the crash. Investigators are expected to be on-site throughout the day, collecting debris, flight data, and witness statements.
This is the second small plane crash reported in Florida this week, prompting renewed concerns about low-altitude flight safety near urban corridors.