Jacob Ogles
The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate an airplane crash that occurred Friday night in Jacksonville.
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, a Naples Republican, said his office was informed a team of investigators to figure out how a Boeing 737-800 skidded off a runway and into the St. Johns River.
All 143 individuals on board survived, reports The Florida Times-Union.
“So thankful that everyone is alive and safe after the incident at NAS Jacksonville last night,” Scott said. “We owe so much to the brave first responders all across our state.”
The NTSB reports 16 investigators will fly in to investigate the crash.
“NTSB team has expertise in aircraft operations, structures, powerplants, human performance, weather, airports and other areas,” the agency said in a statement.
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry overnight reported fire and rescue was also working to control jet fuel spilling into the river.
“We are all 1 family. 1 people. 1 City,” Curry wrote on Twitter.
U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, a Jacksonville Republican, said he was grateful the crash claimed no lives.
“Scary situation last night as plane carrying 143 people skids off runway into St Johns river,” Rutherford wrote.
“All individuals survived and are accounted for. Thank you especially to first responders on the scene and Mayor @lennycurry for his strong leadership and communication.”
Base commander Capt. Mike Conner told reporters in a briefing that it was a “miracle” all survived.
“It could have been much worse,” he said.
Miami Air International Flight 293 was flying into Jacksonville from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay when it landed but then skidded off the runway, NTLB said.
There were 21 individuals transported to area hospitals, but all are currently listed in good condition.
