9 Dead After Florida-Bound Jet Crashes in Dominican Republic Shortly After Takeoff

Puerto Rican music producer Flow La Movie and his family among those killed, police say

A police tape is seen in this file photo. Simaah/Pixabay

Nine people have died after a Miami, Florida-bound private jet carrying two crew members and seven passengers crashed in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, as it attempted to make an emergency landing.

The aircraft took off from La Isabela International Airport, in El Higüero, on Wednesday, and crashed shortly later at the nearby Las Americas International Airport.

Helidosa Aviation Group, the plane operator, said all seven passengers died on board the HI1050 aircraft type Gulstream GIV SP as a result of the crash.

Dominican Republic National Police also said that six killed were American citizens, and that Puerto Rican music producer Flow La Movie was among those killed, Fox News reported.

The names of those killed were passengers Debbie Von Marie Jimenez Garcia, Kellyan Hernandez Pena, Jayden Hernandez, Yeilianys Jeishlimar Melendez, Jassiel Yabdiel Silva, Veronica Estrella, and Jose Angel Hernandez, a.k.a., “Flow La Movie,” and crew members Luis Alberto Eljuri and Víctor Emilio Herrera, Helidosa Aviation Group said.

The company said it is working with local rescue offices to determine more information about the cause of the crash.

According to local media, the pilot is believed to have declared an emergency incident shortly after taking off, and attempted to make an emergency landing.

Four fire crews were sent to the scene to assist with rescue operations.

“The plane HI1050 type Gulfstream GIVSP had taken off for Miami with two crew and seven passengers. Of the passengers, six were foreigners and one Dominican,” Helidosa Aviation Group said in a statement on social media.

“For Helidosa this accident has caused great pain and sorry and we ask for prudence and understanding in supporting the people affected who like us are going through a difficult moment,” it said, listing the names of those killed.

Earlier, the company had said that the aircraft had crashed, and that it was “actively working to obtain more information and collaborating with the rescue bodies.”

Flow La Movie had collaborated with artists like Bad Bunny, Nicky Jam, and Ozuna. He was 38. His partner Garcia and 4-year-old son Jayden were also killed in the crash,

The music producer during his career signed artists including Nio Garcia, Casper Magico, D.OZi, and Xound under his own record label.

Fellow music producer Raphy Pina took to Twitter to pen a tribute to Flow La Movie, describing him as a “warrior.”

“What a great pain dear God,” wrote Pina. “A warrior, his family and crew lost their lives on a flight! Condolences to all of his loves ones. Horrible event! RIP! How bad.”

“José Ángel THANK YOU FOR YOUR GOOD VIBES ALWAYS!! Rest in peace,” Colombian singer J Balvin wrote on Instagram.