Miami seaplane crash kills 19

At least 19 people were killed when a passenger plane bound from Miami beach to the Bahamas crashed soon after takeoff. There are reports of a small explosion or fire on board the classic seaplane just before it came down in a narrow sea channel near the US city. At least one eyewitness believes one of its wings came off in midair.

The plane was operated by Chalk’s Ocean Airways, which was established in 1919 and operates regular flights from Florida to the Bahamas. The seaplane was built in 1947, but had two modern turbine engines. It is reported to have had a series of small mechanical problems in recent years. It is not believed the two crew on board issued any emergency signal.

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