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Two Confirmed Dead In Learjet Crash Off Coast Of Ft. Lauderdale

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – A small plane, confirmed a medical flight, with reportedly four people on board fell from the skies into the Atlantic Ocean Tuesday evening.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed reports of a Mexican-registered Learjet 35 aircraft, that departed from Ft Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport that went down around 8:00 p.m. about three miles east of Ft. Lauderdale, according to the FAA.

The flight, according to the FAA, was destined for Cozumel, Mexico with two pilots and two passengers.

Two bodies were recovered from the wreckage site were taken to John U. Lloyd Park.

Search and rescue crews from the Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and local police and fire rescue departments continue to search for the two other possible survivors.

"Searchers and responders located debris. Shortly thereafter they located two bodies. At this time there are ongoing search and rescue efforts by all agencies both local state and federal looking for possible survivors in the water," said Lt. Commander Gabe Somma.

Learjet Wreckage
(Source: U.S. Coast Guard)

Initial reports from Ft. Lauderdale Fire Department personnel indicate the plane may have radioed about mechanical problems.

Ft. Lauderdale Fire Rescue is reporting that the bodies of one female and one male have been located along with a large debris field.

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