The crash occurred near Cresthaven, around nine miles (14 kilometres) from Mar-a-Lago, US President Donald Trump's resort in Palm Beach County, at approximately 12:50 EST (17:50 GMT).

The aircraft, a Learjet 60, had departed from Austin, Texas, and was heading to the Bahamas, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Images from the scene showed a large crater in the middle of a multi-lane road, with flames and aircraft debris scattered across the area.

Cockpit Audio Captures Final Moments

Air traffic control audio recorded shortly before the crash captured a crew member reporting moderate turbulence and saying the crew was managing ice.

The pilot then reported that the aircraft was picking up precipitation and that the crew needed to climb.

Moments later, the crew member reported that the plane was descending at 10,000 feet per minute before declaring an emergency.

The audio captured the crew member saying the aircraft was in an overspeed condition and descending at 20,000 feet per minute, followed by the warning: "we are going to crash into the ground".

About 35 seconds after the initial emergency announcement, the final remark heard from the cockpit was: "we're out of time".

Flight analysis indicated that the jet was falling hundreds of feet per second before impact.

Florida Governor Describes Crash as 'Like a Missile'

Unverified footage circulating on social media appeared to show the aircraft diving almost vertically towards the ground before exploding into a fireball.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the footage as disturbing during a news conference following the crash.

"When you see that video, it's a jarring thing," DeSantis said. "It's like a missile coming down, and a massive explosion, debris going everywhere."

He added that authorities had no reports of anyone on the ground being killed or injured.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said the crash took place on Military Trail, a six-lane road lined with businesses and restaurants.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue declared a mass casualty incident.

Hundreds of Residents Evacuated

DeSantis and local officials said around 600 residents of a nearby trailer-park community were being evacuated following the crash.

The impact also caused significant damage to local infrastructure, including water lines.

Officials said the road could remain closed for at least 30 days.

Thunderstorms were reported in the area around the time of the crash, while heavy rain continued during the news conference.

Investigation Underway

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the incident as a "horrific tragedy" and said the FAA was sending a team to the scene to assist the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation.

"Please join me in praying for the families and loved ones of those we lost," Duffy said.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of those aboard the aircraft.

President Donald Trump had been at Mar-a-Lago earlier on Sunday and departed from a nearby airport aboard Air Force One about an hour before the crash.