NASSAU, Bahamas, Jul 13, CMC – Police say investigations into last Friday’s fatal plane crash that claimed the lives of all 10 people on board, are continuing and that the remains of nine of the victims have been transported to San Andros “for safekeeping” pending further examination and identification.
“Investigations into this tragic incident remain ongoing,” the police said in a statement, adding that preliminary investigations had so far revealed that the Cessna Flamingo Air aircraft with registration number C6-FLX had crashed in the pine yard near North Andros Airport.
The police said that a 24-year-old person, who had survived the crash and found with “extensive burns covering his body” had “regrettably…succumbed to his injuries”.
Media reports said five members of the well known Da Pond Band died in the crash, including band leader Giovanni McKenzie, Rashad Storr, Mateo Winder, Toniquea Gilot, and Tra’vis Johnson.
The reports said that Melvin Henfield, a DJ, and Andros natives Quintin Myers and Macaro Rolle, were also onboard the flight. The pilot, Franklyn Cambridge, also died in the crash.
The accident occurred as Bahamas celebrated Independence Day on Friday and Prime Minister Philip Davis it has become a day of mourning.
“To every family that has received the devastating news that someone they love will not be coming home we offer our deepest condolences. There are no words that can take away your pain.”
The Ministry of Energy and Aviation said that the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB) temporarily suspended the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of Flamingo Air and that the suspension was imposed “in the interest of aviation and safety following two safety incidents that occurred today”.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) said it is investigating the crash and that its sole objective is not for appropriating blame or liability, but preventing future accidents.
“The investigation remains in its preliminary stage. Investigators will continue to gather and analyse factual information relating to all aspects of the occurrence, including the aircraft, flight operations, maintenance, meteorological information, air traffic services and any other relevant evidence.
“At this stage of the investigation, no determination has been made regarding the cause or contributing factors of the accident. Any information currently available is preliminary and subject to change as additional evidence is obtained and analyzed.”
CMC/aj/ir/2026