LAREDO — A Cessna Citation Latitude business jet crashed on Loop 20 highway in Laredo, Texas, on Tuesday night, catching fire and killing one person. The aircraft had six people onboard at the time of the crash.

The jet departed from Los Cabos International Airport in Mexico at approximately 6:18 p.m. local time. Flight tracking data indicated the aircraft lost signal with air traffic controllers at approximately 600 feet, roughly 2.5 miles short of the Laredo International Airport runway, at 9:58 p.m. local time. Officials stated that authorities received a call from a local airport tower indicating the aircraft reported mechanical issues before losing contact with air traffic control.

Gilberto Sanchez, Laredo International Airport director, stated the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure prior to the crash. A police investigator said the aircraft struck a moving vehicle during its descent. Video footage showed the aircraft resting on its side against a highway barrier with visible fire and structural separation between the tail and fuselage.

Motorists exited their vehicles to assist with extracting individuals from the damaged aircraft. Esthetician Zayra Garza said she observed individuals inside the aircraft attempting to break a window before a door opened. Garza said three individuals resembling teenagers exited the aircraft first, followed by someone appearing to be a pilot, while another individual attempted to remove an unconscious person. "It looked like part of a movie. I was in shock. What was worrying me was the fire." Garza said.

Five responding police officers were transported to a hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and injuries sustained during the rescue operation. An investigator stated it is unclear if the deceased individual was inside the aircraft or on the ground at the time of impact. Loop 20 highway was closed in both directions following the crash.

NetJets issued a statement confirming the crash involved its aircraft and indicated it is working with investigating authorities. Personnel from the National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, and Federal Bureau of Investigation have been dispatched to the crash site.