A private jet carrying six people crashed onto Loop 20 highway near Laredo, Texas, on the night of June 16, 2026, after reporting mechanical issues near Laredo airport [1, 2, 3]. The aircraft, a Cessna Citation Latitude twin jet operated by NetJets, was flying from Los Cabos or San José del Cabo, Mexico, to Austin, Texas [1, 2, 3].
The crash killed one person and injured at least five passengers and crew members, one motorist, and five first responders who were treated for smoke inhalation [1, 2, 3]. The deceased was identified by Capital Factory as Joshua Baer, founder and CEO of the Austin-based startup incubator [2]. Bryan Chambers, Capital Factory’s president, called Baer "a fearless leader, a brilliant partner, and a dear friend to so many of us" [2].
The plane struck a vehicle during the crash, but it remains unclear if the fatality occurred on board or outside the aircraft [1, 3]. Bystanders and first responders used tools like shovels and sledgehammers to rescue passengers trapped inside the burning plane [1]. The flight had departed from either Los Cabos or San José del Cabo, Mexico, at 6:19 p.m. before the crash near 10 p.m. [1, 2, 3].
Loop 20 highway near Laredo remained closed into June 17 while the FBI and National Transportation Safety Board conduct investigations [1, 3]. Authorities have not yet clarified the exact circumstances of the crash or the injuries to those involved.
The ongoing investigation aims to determine the cause of the mechanical issues reported before the aircraft went down. Officials continue to work at the site and question witnesses as the region recovers from the incident.
