Panic swept through Maine on Sunday night after an aircraft crashed at Bangor International Airport amid severe winter weather conditions.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene shortly after the incident, which occurred as harsh winter conditions battered the region. Officials have not yet released an official cause for the crash, and investigations remain ongoing.
According to local CBS affiliate WABI-TV, the crash happened at approximately 8 p.m., with residents reporting a loud explosion-like sound followed by noticeable shaking throughout the area. The incident came just one hour after a winter storm warning had been issued for the region.
“Heavy snow expected,” the warning stated. “Total snow accumulations between 10 and 16 inches.”
Weather conditions had already begun deteriorating rapidly, with ice and snow creating hazardous visibility and runway conditions.
A source familiar with the situation told CNN that eight individuals were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash. The extent of any injuries has not yet been confirmed. The plane involved has been identified as a Bombardier Challenger 650 private jet.
Bangor International Airport addressed the situation in a public Facebook post shortly after the crash, urging travelers to stay away from the area.
“An incident at the airport is under investigation,” the statement read. “First responders are on scene and assessing the situation.”
The airport later added: “Please avoid the airport at this time,” confirming that the runway had been temporarily closed.
The incident comes as large portions of the United States remain under threat from Winter Storm Fern, which has brought dangerous levels of snow and ice across multiple states. Meteorologists warn that conditions could worsen overnight.
A weather chart released by officials illustrated the storm’s severity, showing extreme cold and heavy snowfall affecting millions. The National Weather Service cautioned that some areas could see between 12 and 18 inches of snow.
“Snow will overspread Northeast PA and the New York Southern Tier before daybreak Sunday morning, moving north to the I-90 corridor by the mid-morning hours on Sunday,” the NWS stated. “At this time, the heaviest snowfall is forecast to be from south-central NY and areas southward into Northeast PA and the Catskills.”
WX Charts further indicate that certain areas in the Northeast could receive up to 3.5 inches of snow per hour. In total, nearly 140 million people remain under winter storm warnings stretching from New Mexico to New England.
Authorities continue to assess the situation as emergency crews remain on site at Bangor International Airport. No further details regarding casualties or the cause of the crash have been officially released.
