A tragic small plane crash occurred on Friday near Mile Marker 105 on Interstate 75 in Collier County, also known as the Golden Gate Parkway exit. According to the Collier County Sheriff's Office, two individuals tragically lost their lives in the incident, while three others managed to survive.

The crash took place at approximately 3:21 p.m., resulting in the closure of I-75 until at least 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. The ill-fated aircraft was identified as a Bombardier Challenger 600 jet owned by a charter company called Hop a Jet Worldwide Jet Charter.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that five people were on board the plane at the time of the crash. Authorities from the Collier County Sheriff's Office confirmed the tragic deaths of two individuals, but at this time, it is unknown if the survivors sustained any injuries.

In response to the incident, the FAA has closed a significant section of I-75 in Collier County. The closure affects both southbound traffic at mile marker 111 (Immokalee Road) and northbound traffic at mile marker 105 (Golden Gate Parkway).

According to information obtained from the Naples Airport, the aircraft was traveling from Ohio. The Naples Airport Tower had been in contact with the plane prior to the crash. Naples Air Traffic Controllers revealed that the jet was owned by a charter company called Hope a Jet Worldwide Jet Charter, offering private flights to various destinations.

Flight records indicate that the plane departed from Fort Lauderdale at 9:15 a.m. on Friday morning and arrived in Columbus, Ohio, at 11:57 a.m. Later, at 1:02 p.m., the plane left Columbus on its way back to Naples. Unfortunately, flight tracking data ceased just before the crash occurred.

Officials have confirmed that the intended flight plan was for the aircraft to land in Naples before returning to Fort Lauderdale at 3:30 p.m. However, tragedy struck while the plane was approximately 250 feet in the air. Authorities clarified that the crash was not due to fuel exhaustion but rather a fire caused by the fuel.

Disturbing audio from the Air Traffic Control reveals the pilot declaring an emergency, indicating a loss of both engines. The pilot informed the control tower that they were two miles away from the Naples Airport but unable to complete the landing.

The Naples Airport reported that the jet had experienced engine failure and was scheduled to fly to Fort Lauderdale before the crash occurred.

As a result of the investigation conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, I-75 will remain closed in both directions between Mile Marker 105 and 107 for at least 24 hours.

Please stay tuned for further updates on this heartbreaking incident.