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Diogo Jota’s Funeral to Take Place in Portugal After Liverpool Star’s Death in Lamborghini Crash

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Diogo Jota’s Funeral to Take Place in Portugal After Liverpool Star’s Death in Lamborghini Crash

PORTO, Portugal (BN24) — The funeral for Liverpool forward Diogo Jota will be held Saturday morning in his hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, following the tragic car crash that claimed his life and that of his younger brother earlier this week.

Jota, 28, was killed late Wednesday night when a tire on his Lamborghini failed, sending the vehicle off the A-52 highway in Spain’s Zamora province, where it caught fire. His brother, 25-year-old André Silva, a professional footballer with Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel, was also killed in the crash.

The brothers were traveling toward Santander to board a ferry to the United Kingdom when the accident occurred. Emergency crews rushed to the scene in the early hours of Thursday, extinguished the flames and confirmed both men had died instantly. Their bodies were transported to a forensic unit in Zamora for autopsies before being released for burial.

Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, after a wake at the Sao Cosme Chapel. The funeral mass will take place next door at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar. Local priest Father Jose Manuel Macedo initially announced the ceremonies for Friday afternoon but later confirmed they had been rescheduled to Saturday morning.

Portugal’s president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, is expected to attend the wake, underscoring the impact of the tragedy on the country.

Authorities in Spain are investigating the crash as a possible speeding incident. A local government source said the area where the accident occurred is a notorious black spot along the A-52, where sharp bends and poor nighttime visibility have led to frequent accidents.

Jota’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the football world and beyond. Liverpool Football Club released a statement calling the news “unimaginable,” describing Jota as a “champion who will be forever missed.” The club opened books of condolence online and at Anfield.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed the grief shared by teammates and staff. “What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw?” Slot said. “All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly.”

Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who signed Jota in 2020, said he was “struggling to understand” the loss. “Diogo was not only a fantastic player but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father,” Klopp wrote. “We will miss you so much.”

Jota’s international teammate Cristiano Ronaldo posted an emotional message, calling the news senseless and offering condolences to the family. Lionel Messi shared a photo of Jota making a heart gesture, with the words “QEPD,” meaning “may he rest in peace.”

Across the Premier League, tributes poured in from clubs and players. Former Liverpool legends Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, and Robbie Fowler all shared messages of sympathy.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Prince William also expressed their condolences. “There are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans and non-fans, who will be shocked by this,” Starmer said.

Jota’s death came just days after he married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, in Porto. The couple, who have three children, had shared photos from their wedding with the caption: “June 22, 2025. Yes to forever.”

Jota began his career at Paços de Ferreira before moving to Atletico Madrid. He joined Wolves in 2017, helping the club rise to the Premier League, and signed for Liverpool in 2020 for £41 million. Over five seasons, he scored 47 Premier League goals and won multiple domestic trophies, including the Premier League title.

He also earned nearly 50 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 international goals and helping his country win the UEFA Nations League.

A minute of silence was held in his honor during the Women’s Euros match between Spain and Portugal on Thursday.

As his coffin returns to his birthplace, Gondomar prepares to say farewell to a player remembered for his talent, humility, and the joy he brought to fans around the world.

THESUN.CO.UK

Mexican Boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. Arrested in Los Angeles, Faces Deportation Over Immigration Fraud and Links to Organized Crime

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Mexican Boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. Arrested in Los Angeles, Faces Deportation Over Immigration Fraud and Links to Organized Crime

LOS ANGELES (BN24) — Julio César Chávez Jr., the Mexican former middleweight boxing champion and son of a national sports icon, was arrested this week in Los Angeles and is set to be deported to Mexico, where authorities accuse him of organized crime and weapons trafficking, U.S. federal officials announced Thursday.

The 39-year-old Chávez Jr. was taken into custody Wednesday by a team of federal agents as he rode a scooter outside his Studio City residence, days after he lost a widely publicized fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Anaheim. According to the Department of Homeland Security, immigration authorities had determined on June 27 — the day before the bout — that Chávez should be arrested for immigration violations. It remains unclear why the action was delayed until after the event.

In a statement, Chávez’s attorney, Michael Goldstein, condemned the arrest as an attempt to “terrorize the community” amid an intensifying crackdown on immigrants across Southern California that has sparked protests and prompted the deployment of National Guard troops and U.S. Marines in downtown Los Angeles. Goldstein said as of Thursday morning he did not know where Chávez was being held.

Federal officials said Chávez overstayed a tourist visa that expired in February after he entered the U.S. in August 2023. He also allegedly lied repeatedly on a green card application he filed in April, claiming marriage to a U.S. citizen, Frida Muñoz. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services flagged his case in December, describing Chávez as an “egregious public safety threat,” yet immigration officers allowed him to reenter the country without a visa in January under the Biden administration.

Authorities said Muñoz was previously in a relationship with Édgar Guzmán López, the slain son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the convicted leader of the Sinaloa cartel. Federal officials believe Chávez is affiliated with the same cartel and has been involved in trafficking firearms, ammunition, and explosives. Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office confirmed that it has an active extradition request for “Julio C.” on organized crime and weapons charges dating back to March 2023. A federal law enforcement source speaking on condition of anonymity told The Associated Press that “Julio C.” refers to Chávez Jr.

The arrest is the latest low point in Chávez’s tumultuous career, which for years has been overshadowed by his father, Julio César Chávez Sr., a multiple-division world champion and one of Mexico’s most celebrated athletes. The younger Chávez reached the pinnacle of the sport when he won the WBC middleweight title in 2011 and defended it three times, but his achievements were frequently undercut by controversy. He failed drug tests, missed weight, and served suspensions, drawing criticism for a lack of discipline even as he faced elite opponents including Canelo Álvarez and Sergio Martinez.

In the lead-up to his bout with Paul, Chávez appeared committed to revitalizing his career. He spent time in rehabilitation in Sinaloa and said he was finally clean. He arrived in the ring in his best physical condition in years, only to suffer a defeat that now pales against the legal crisis engulfing him.

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times before the fight, Chávez said he and his team were unnerved by the surge in immigration enforcement. “I don’t understand the situation — why so much violence? There are a lot of good people, and you’re giving the community an example of violence,” he said. “After everything that’s happened, I wouldn’t want to be deported.”

Chávez and his attorney were scheduled to appear in court Monday to address an unrelated gun possession case and report on his progress in a substance abuse program.

AP

US Supreme Court Sides with Trump Administration Over South Sudan Deportation of Migrants

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US Supreme Court Sides with Trump Administration Over South Sudan Deportation of Migrants

WASHINGTON (BN24) — The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday granted a major victory to President Donald Trump’s administration in its effort to deport migrants to third countries, clearing the way for the removal of eight men to South Sudan despite warnings about the country’s instability and the migrants’ lack of any ties there.

The court’s conservative majority issued an order clarifying that its June 23 decision, which lifted an injunction by Boston-based U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy, also applied to his subsequent ruling that sought to halt deportations to the war-scarred African nation. The administration argued that Murphy’s May 21 decision had improperly blocked immigration authorities from completing a removal that had already begun and caused diplomatic complications.

Murphy had previously ruled that migrants targeted for deportation to so-called “third countries” must be allowed to present evidence that they could face torture or persecution if sent somewhere other than their homeland. The judge also ordered the government to provide at least ten days’ notice before such removals. After the Supreme Court paused Murphy’s April injunction last month, Murphy declared that his later order shielding the South Sudan group remained “in full force,” prompting the administration to accuse him of defying the high court.

In its unsigned opinion Thursday, the court directed Murphy to stop enforcing the May 21 order, concluding that its prior ruling rendered his injunction unenforceable. Justice Elena Kagan, a liberal who opposed lifting the original injunction, nevertheless joined the majority this time, writing, “I do not see how a district court can compel compliance with an order that this court has stayed.”

Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented. Sotomayor warned that the court’s action effectively stripped migrants of a critical chance to protect themselves from potential harm. “Today’s order clarifies only one thing: Other litigants must follow the rules, but the administration has the Supreme Court on speed dial,” she wrote.

The Trump administration has defended its policy of deporting non-citizens to third countries when their home governments refuse to accept them, contending the approach is essential to enforcing immigration law against individuals convicted of serious crimes in the U.S. In this case, the eight men were kept at a military base in Djibouti as legal battles unfolded.

Supporters of the migrants argued that South Sudan remains a dangerous destination. The State Department has warned Americans to avoid travel there due to ongoing conflict, kidnapping, and violent crime. Attorneys for the men said they face the prospect of “imprisonment, torture, and even death.”

The administration maintained it had secured credible assurances from South Sudanese authorities that the men would not be mistreated. The Justice Department called Murphy’s orders a “lawless act of defiance,” saying they undermined the government’s lawful removal efforts.

The case is part of a broader legal clash over the administration’s aggressive efforts to accelerate deportations and limit due process protections. In earlier rulings this year, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to wind down humanitarian protections for hundreds of thousands of migrants living and working legally in the United States.

Immigrant rights advocates said Thursday’s decision underscored the stakes of the ongoing litigation, warning that the court’s support for the administration’s policies increases the risk of vulnerable individuals being sent to perilous places without adequate safeguards.

Liverpool Forward Diogo Jota Dies in Car Crash in Spain at Age 28, Reports Say

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Liverpool Forward Diogo Jota Dies in Car Crash in Spain at Age 28, Reports Say

MADRID (BN24) — Portuguese football star and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has reportedly died in a car crash in Spain at the age of 28, according to Portuguese and Spanish media outlets. The fatal accident is said to have occurred in the province of Zamora in northwestern Spain while Jota was traveling with his younger brother, André, also a professional footballer.

The crash took place on the A-52 highway near the municipality of Palacios de Sanabria, Spanish sports outlet Marca reported Wednesday. Early accounts indicate the vehicle veered off the road under unclear circumstances. It remains unknown whether Jota’s brother survived the crash or was injured.

Jota, a key figure in Liverpool’s front line, joined the Premier League club in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported fee of £41 million. Known for his versatility and clinical finishing, he played primarily on the left wing and contributed significantly to Liverpool’s attacking depth in recent seasons.

The news of his reported death comes just two weeks after he celebrated his wedding to longtime partner Rute Cardoso in a ceremony held in Porto. The couple, who share three children, had recently marked the new chapter in their lives with photos widely shared across social media and by Portuguese news outlets.

Jota had enjoyed a standout football career both domestically and internationally. Before joining Liverpool, he played for F.C. Porto and Atlético Madrid before gaining prominence in the English Premier League with Wolverhampton. His time at Liverpool saw him become a fan favorite for his sharp instincts and relentless energy on the field.

There has been no official statement yet from Liverpool Football Club or local Spanish authorities confirming the details of the incident. Tributes, however, have begun pouring in from football fans across Europe as the sport reels from the sudden loss of one of its rising stars.

France-Based Nigerian Sentenced in U.S. Court to 41 Months for $8 Million Disaster Relief Fraud

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France-Based Nigerian Sentenced in U.S. Court to 41 Months for $8 Million Disaster Relief Fraud

WASHINGTON (BN24) — A Nigerian national extradited from France has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for his role in a large-scale disaster relief fraud scheme that defrauded the U.S. government of at least $8 million, the Department of Justice announced.

Newton Ofioritse Jemide, 47, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow to 41 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $520,431 in restitution and forfeit $311,036 to the U.S. government as part of the judgment.

Jemide, who lived in France before his extradition to the United States, pleaded guilty to his involvement in a conspiracy that exploited federal disaster aid programs, including relief funds disbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), between 2016 and 2017.

According to federal prosecutors, Jemide and his co-conspirators used stolen identities of U.S. citizens to fraudulently apply for emergency funds meant for victims of natural disasters such as wildfires. The scheme involved the purchase of hundreds of prepaid Green Dot debit cards, which were used to receive the falsely obtained government benefits.

The Department of Justice said the fraud ring operated across international borders, with members based in Nigeria and the U.S. working in concert. Conspirators in the U.S. were directed to acquire the debit cards, while their Nigerian counterparts registered them using the stolen personal information.

“FEMA dispersed $500 per fraudulent claim,” the Justice Department noted, adding that the cumulative theft reached at least $8 million. Jemide was responsible for coordinating the flow of information about available funds on the cards and instructing others on how to withdraw or launder the proceeds in exchange for a commission.

To conceal their activities, the fraudsters employed multiple tactics, including using third parties to make purchases and withdrawals, visiting numerous store and bank locations to avoid detection, and generating money orders payable to individuals or entities unconnected to their true identities.

Jemide’s sentencing marks the culmination of an international investigation and prosecution effort targeting a sophisticated fraud scheme that targeted U.S. federal aid programs intended to support vulnerable citizens during times of disaster.

Shooting in Chicago Wounds Multiple People, Authorities Say-AP

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Shooting in Chicago Wounds Multiple People, Authorities Say-AP

CHICAGO (BN24) — Multiple people were wounded Wednesday night in a shooting that erupted in Chicago, authorities said, marking the latest episode of gun violence to rattle the city.

Chicago Police Department Officer Julio Garcia confirmed that a number of victims were struck by gunfire, though he did not immediately provide specifics on how many people were injured or the circumstances surrounding the attack. The exact location of the shooting also remained unclear as officers continued their investigation late into the evening.

Emergency responders rushed the wounded to area hospitals. Chris King, a spokesperson for Northwestern Medicine, said the hospital’s emergency department was treating several people who had been injured in the incident. He declined to specify how many patients had arrived or to share details about their conditions.

Police cordoned off portions of the surrounding area as investigators combed for evidence and witnesses. Garcia said the department planned to release additional updates as more information became available.

The shooting adds to the toll of gun violence that continues to plague Chicago’s neighborhoods, despite targeted efforts by law enforcement to curb the bloodshed. City officials have frequently cited the proliferation of illegal firearms and longstanding social challenges as drivers of the crisis.

Ferry Sinks Off Bali Coast With Dozens Missing as Rescuers Battle Rough Seas-AP

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Ferry Sinks Off Bali Coast With Dozens Missing as Rescuers Battle Rough Seas-AP

DENPASAR, Indonesia (BN24) — Indonesian rescue teams searched Thursday for 43 people missing after a ferry carrying passengers and vehicles sank overnight in rough seas off the coast of Bali, authorities said.

The KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, which departed from Ketapang port in East Java late Wednesday, sank less than 30 minutes into its journey toward Gilimanuk port on Bali, according to Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency. The route covers approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) across the Bali Strait.

The vessel was carrying 65 people in total, including 53 passengers and 12 crew members, along with 22 vehicles, among them 14 cargo trucks, the agency said in a statement.

So far, two bodies have been recovered from the choppy waters. Twenty people were rescued alive, many of them found unconscious after drifting for hours in darkness and heavy waves, Banyuwangi police chief Rama Samtama Putra said.

Nine vessels have been dispatched to the search area, including two tugboats and two inflatable rescue boats. Crews have been contending with waves reaching up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) high since the search began late Wednesday night.

Ferry accidents are a persistent danger in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands where ferries serve as a vital mode of transportation despite spotty enforcement of safety regulations. Overloading and poor maintenance have contributed to frequent maritime disasters over the years.

Trump Threatens Deportation of Zohran Mamdani and Elon Musk—But Can He Strip Their U.S. Citizenship?

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Trump Threatens Deportation of Zohran Mamdani and Elon Musk—But Can He Strip Their U.S. Citizenship?

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with two high-profile political figures—Zohran Mamdani and Elon Musk—by suggesting that their U.S. citizenship could be revoked, raising alarm among civil rights advocates and legal scholars. But despite the rhetoric, legal experts say denaturalization is a complex and rarely used process that cannot be applied arbitrarily.

Trump’s comments come amid his intensifying crackdown on immigration and dissent, casting scrutiny on Mamdani, a New York City mayoral candidate born in Uganda, and Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur originally from South Africa.

The president publicly threatened to arrest Mamdani if he obstructs federal immigration enforcement operations, while also implying Musk could be forced to shut down his companies and return to South Africa after criticizing Trump’s narrowly passed spending bill.

Trump Allies Push for Denaturalization Proceedings Against Mamdani

Tensions surrounding Mamdani surged after Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee sent a formal request to the Department of Justice, urging an investigation into whether the Democratic mayoral hopeful should face denaturalization proceedings. In a letter posted online, Ogles accused Mamdani of “willful misrepresentation” and alleged ties to individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses prior to his naturalization in 2018.

The lawmaker cited Mamdani’s public support for the “Holy Land Five,” a group convicted in 2008 of providing material support to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. “Free the Holy Land Five / My guys,” Mamdani once rapped, Ogles noted, arguing that such sentiments may indicate undisclosed sympathies during his citizenship application.

Ogles also criticized Mamdani for refusing to denounce the slogan “globalize the intifada,” which some interpret as endorsing violence. “He needs to be DEPORTED,” Ogles wrote on social media, branding Mamdani a “socialist, communist” who poses a threat to New York.

Trump backed the sentiment during a press conference, saying, “If Mamdani prevents ICE from doing their job, we’ll have to arrest him.” The president added, “We don’t need a communist in this country… I’m watching him very carefully on behalf of the nation.”

Mamdani Responds: ‘This Is Political Persecution’

In a public statement, Mamdani condemned the president’s comments as authoritarian and politically motivated. “The President of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of my citizenship, put in a detention camp and deported,” he wrote on X. “Not because I have broken any law but because I will refuse to let ICE terrorize our city.”

He also took aim at current New York Mayor Eric Adams, who received rare praise from Trump, saying Adams “echoes this President’s division, distraction and hate.”

Trump Suggests Musk Should ‘Go Back to South Africa’ Amid Political Feud

Musk, a longtime ally of Trump and former adviser to his administration, has recently clashed with the White House over a new spending package that cuts electric vehicle tax credits. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, responded to Musk’s criticism by saying, “Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”

Trump also suggested the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a body Musk once led under Trump—should investigate the billionaire’s finances, quipping, “BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!”

When asked directly whether Musk could be deported, Trump responded, “We’ll have to take a look.”

Can the U.S. Strip Citizenship from Naturalized Citizens Like Mamdani and Musk?

Legal experts say the answer is no—unless there is clear evidence of fraud in the naturalization process or specific crimes that meet strict legal thresholds.

Denaturalization, the process of revoking U.S. citizenship from someone who gained it through naturalization, is governed by federal law. It applies only when citizenship was obtained through intentional fraud or misrepresentation, or when the individual commits crimes such as terrorism, war crimes, or acts of treason.

Earlier this month, the Justice Department reiterated its authority to pursue civil denaturalization cases where naturalization was “illegally procured” or involved “willful misrepresentation.” But even under this guidance, legal scholars argue that the threshold is high and the process rarely used.

“Denaturalization is limited to cases where the government can prove material fraud in their original applications,” said Michael Kagan, law professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. “This appears to be irresponsible rhetoric designed to intimidate political opponents.”

Historical Context: Denaturalization Has Been Used Sparingly in U.S. History

The U.S. government has a long, though selective, history of denaturalization—particularly during the early 20th century when political ideology and wartime alliances prompted sweeping revocations of citizenship.

Prominent cases include Emma Goldman, a Lithuanian-born anarchist deported in 1919, and Paul Knauer, a German-born citizen denaturalized in 1946 over ties to Nazi-affiliated groups. The Cold War era also saw attempts to strip citizenship from suspected communists.

But in 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Afroyim v. Rusk that Americans cannot be stripped of their citizenship without clear legal cause. The case, involving a man who voted in an Israeli election, set a precedent requiring proof of fraud or disloyalty.

While the Trump administration has signaled a willingness to expand the use of denaturalization—most recently revoking citizenship from a convicted pedophile and former Army member—experts say applying such measures to political rivals is a dramatic and dangerous departure from democratic norms.

Although Trump’s remarks about stripping the citizenship of Mamdani and Musk have stirred political controversy, there is little legal basis to pursue such action. Both men are naturalized U.S. citizens, and unless the administration can prove material fraud or criminal conduct that meets federal thresholds, their status remains legally secure.

Haiti’s Gangs Hold ‘Near-Total Control’ of Capital as UN Warns of Escalating Violence

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Haiti’s Gangs Hold ‘Near-Total Control’ of Capital as UN Warns of Escalating Violence

UNITED NATIONS (BN24) — Haiti’s gangs now have “near-total control” of Port-au-Prince, crippling the country’s ability to govern and pushing the security crisis to new extremes, senior United Nations officials told the Security Council on Wednesday.

An estimated 90% of Haiti’s capital is dominated by heavily armed criminal groups who are not only expanding attacks into surrounding communities but spreading violence to areas once considered safe. Ghada Fathy Waly, executive director of the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, said gangs are exploiting key border crossings such as Belladere and Malpasse, where assaults on police and customs officials have surged.

“Southern Haiti, which until recently was insulated from the violence, has seen a sharp increase in gang-related incidents,” Waly said. She warned that gang control of trade routes has paralyzed legal commerce, driving up the cost of cooking fuel and rice, Haiti’s staple food. Criminal factions are also establishing “parallel governance structures” that fill the vacuum left by an eroding state.

U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca said the gangs’ growing stranglehold has brought Haiti “closer to the brink.” He cautioned that without decisive international action, the country could soon face “the total collapse of state presence in the capital.”

Gang power has steadily increased since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Haiti has yet to install a new president, and the vacuum has emboldened armed groups that previously controlled about 85% of Port-au-Prince.

Last year, a U.N.-backed multinational mission led by Kenyan police arrived to help restore order, but the force remains severely understaffed and underfunded, with just 40% of the 2,500 personnel originally envisioned. A proposal by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to bolster the mission with drones, transport and nonlethal supplies has stalled in the Security Council.

In the meantime, the Haitian National Police, private security contractors and vigilante groups have multiplied. Some community groups have tried to protect neighborhoods, but others operate outside the law or collaborate with gangs.

Jenca said that over the past three months, vigilante groups killed at least 100 men and one woman suspected of gang links. The period also saw a sharp rise in sexual violence, with the U.N. political mission documenting 364 incidents involving 378 survivors between March and April alone.

A U.N. expert report covering October to February said gangs are profiting from chaos and political gridlock, accusing rival factions and alleged corruption within Haiti’s transitional government of undermining efforts to restore security.

“While the expansion of territorial control brings gangs additional sources of revenue and bargaining power,” the experts said, “these attacks are also backed by individuals trying to destabilize the political transition for their own political goals.”

Little progress has been made toward organizing national elections targeted for February 2026. The expert monitors warned that Haiti’s national police remain overstretched, its military must be rebuilt, and the limited international mission cannot confront gangs without more resources.

The experts also raised alarms about vigilante groups that include local police officers involved in human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings. According to their findings, specialized police units carried out 281 summary executions so far this year, including killings of 22 women and eight children.

Despite a U.N. arms embargo, Haitian gangs continue to acquire powerful weapons from regional markets and police stockpiles in both Haiti and the neighboring Dominican Republic, the report said.

Skydiving Plane Goes Off Runway at New Jersey Airport, Injuring Five Passengers

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Skydiving Plane Goes Off Runway at New Jersey Airport, Injuring Five Passengers

WILLIAMSTOWN, N.J. (BN24) — A skydiving plane veered off a runway at Cross Keys Airport in Williamstown, New Jersey, on Wednesday, injuring five of the 15 people aboard and prompting local authorities to declare a “mass casualty incident.”

The Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management announced the designation in a Facebook post shortly after 6 p.m., asking residents to avoid the area as emergency crews responded.

The privately owned airfield is well known among skydiving enthusiasts and serves numerous private passenger aircraft.

Federal records show the same plane was involved in a separate runway incident in July 2023 at an airport in Suffolk, Virginia. According to the National Transportation Safety Board’s final report on that crash, the pilot was landing after her fifth skydive flight of the day when the aircraft left the runway.

The NTSB report said that as the plane approached the ground, “the flare seemed insufficient,” leading the nose landing gear to collapse. The aircraft continued off the runway and came to rest in the grass, suffering substantial damage to the engine mounts.

Investigators determined the probable cause was the “pilot’s inadequate landing flare,” and noted the pilot reported no mechanical issues that would have “precluded normal operation.”

Authorities did not immediately release details Wednesday on what caused the latest accident or the conditions of the injured passengers.

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