Two dead after private plane crashes into cars on Naples highway: Pilot of jet that was flying from Ohio to Fort Lauderdale sent mayday warning both engines were ‘out’ before plummeting into traffic

A private plane has crashed into cars on a major highway, causing a massive explosion and killing two of the five people on board.

Dramatic photos and video taken by passing motorists showed the burning wreck and pieces of wreckage strewn across I-75 in Collier Country, Florida.

A least one brave motorist was seen rushing toward the downed plane, hoping to assist survivors despite the extreme danger.

Five people were on board the Bombardier Challenger 600 jet when it crashed on Friday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

A private plane has crashed into cars on a major highway, causing a massive explosion and killing two of the five people on board

A least one brave motorist was seen rushing toward the downed plane, hoping to assist survivors despite the extreme danger

Dramatic photos and video taken by passing motorists showed the burning wreck and pieces of wreckage strewn across I-75 in Collier Country, Florida

The Collier County Sheriff’s office said two on board the plane were confirmed dead.

The three other people on board made it out alive, according to Naples Airport’s communications director. Their condition is unclear.

The pilot had reported that both engines had failed as he was preparing for landing – before crashing onto Interstate 75 near Naples about 3.15pm and colliding with vehicles on the road.

The flight was traveling to the Naples Airport from Ohio State University, according to FlightAware data. 

The plane belonged to Hop-a-Jet, a Florida-based private chartering company, and was not related to the university.

The FFA closed all southbound lanes for 24 hours. There is large police and emergency response.

More to come. 

A private plane has crashed into a vehicle on a Florida highway causing a massive explosion

Video footage captured by drivers show the aftermath of the accident, revealing burning flames emanating from the plane as a brave bystander is seen rushing toward the smoke

The plane, a Bombardier Challenger 600 with a capacity for up to 14 people, reportedly lost an engine before the massive crash

The flight was traveling to the Naples Airport from Ohio State, according to FlightAware data

It’s unclear how many people were on board and if there are any casualties 

The incident occurred on I-75 in Collier County near Pine Ridge Rd