A small plane crashed in North Andros on Friday, killing all 10 people on board and turning The Bahamas’ 53rd Independence Day into a day of mourning.

The Bahamian-registered Cessna 402, operated by Flamingo Air, crashed while flying from Nassau to San Andros. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis initially said one person had survived the crash but later confirmed the individual had died from their injuries, raising the death toll to 10. The victims have not yet been publicly identified.

“We gather beneath a cloud of great sorrow,” Davis said during a press conference. “It has become a day of mourning.”

He also expressed condolences to the victims’ families, saying, “To every family that has received the devastating news that someone they love will not be coming home, we offer our deepest condolences.”

Earlier, Davis said investigators were still working to establish what caused the crash.

“At this stage, the facts are still being established, and the relevant authorities are working to determine exactly what occurred,” he said. “The families affected deserve compassion, privacy, and support as the investigation proceeds.”

Following the crash, the Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation suspended Flamingo Air’s Air Operator Certificate as a precaution while investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The ministry said the suspension followed two aviation safety incidents involving the airline on Friday. Earlier in the day, another Flamingo Air aircraft bound for Mayaguana returned to Nassau after the pilot reported a concern. After passengers safely disembarked, that aircraft caught fire. No injuries were reported.

Officials have not said whether the two incidents are connected. Investigations into both events remain ongoing.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: 10 Killed in Bahamas Plane Crash as Flamingo Air Flights Suspended.