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Ten people were killed when a small passenger plane crashed while attempting to land on the Bahamas’ largest island, claiming the lives of several well-known local musicians traveling to a celebration for the country’s Independence Day. The Cessna 402, operated by Flamingo Air, departed Nassau shortly after 1 p.m. on July 10 for the short flight to San Andros Airport on Andros Island in a journey that should have taken 20 minutes. According to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority, the aircraft “encountered difficulties and crashed into bushes prior to landing.” Among those killed were five members of the popular Caribbean group Da Pond Band—Giovanni McKenzie, Mateo Winder, Rashad Storr, Tonique Gilot, and Travis Johnson—as well as Melvin Henfield, better known as DJ Fresh. The performers had been scheduled to appear at an Independence Day event on the island. Authorities have not said what caused the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.
