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A plane crash in the Bahamas has claimed the lives of all 10 people on board, inc. The deceased included five core members of the popular Bahamian music group Da Pond Band. The accident has sent shockwaves through the country’s entertainment fraternity. The victims were travelling to perform at a major cultural festival when their aircraft went down near North Andros on July 10.
Da Pond Band members among the victims
According to Bahamian authorities and local media reports, the victims included Da Pond Band’s band leader Giovanni McKenzie, lead guitarist Rashad Storr, bassist Mateo Winder, lead singer Travis Johnson, and band member Tonique Gilot. Popular local DJ Melvin “DJ Fresh” Henfield was also present among those killed.
The group was travelling from Nassau to San Andros to perform at the 31st annual All-Andros and the Berry Island Regatta. It is a festival celebrating Bahamian culture through music, food and boat racing. Fellow band members Lamar Polhamus and Shanice Miller described the deceased musicians as “the core, the heart, and the life of the band,” and said that the loss has left the surviving members devastated.
What happened?
The aircraft, a Cessna 402 operated by Flamingo Air, departed Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau. It was en route to San Andros when it reportedly encountered difficulties. It eventually crashed into dense brush in North Andros shortly before landing.
Authorities initially believed one passenger had survived but later confirmed that all 10 people on board had died from their injuries. Investigators from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority are probing the cause of the crash.
The tragedy occurred on the Bahamas’ Independence Day, and this prompted Prime Minister Philip Davis to describe the national celebration as “a day of mourning.”
Flamingo Air operations suspended
After the fatal crash, the Bahamian government temporarily suspended Flamingo Air’s Air Operator Certificate as a precautionary safety measure while investigations continue. A separate Flamingo Air aircraft incident happened earlier the same day in which another plane safely returned to Nassau before catching fire on the ground.
Officials stressed that the suspension is not considered a disciplinary action but is intended to allow investigators to determine the causes of both aviation incidents.
Has the funeral been announced?
As of July 14, no official funeral dates or public memorial service details have been announced for the victims. A meeting between Flamingo Air and the immediate family members of those killed, scheduled for July 13, was reportedly postponed. Authorities have not yet released any funeral arrangements.
Will the families receive compensation?
At present, no compensation package has been officially announced by the Bahamian government or Flamingo Air for the families of the victims.
Flamingo Air has publicly stated that it is in contact with the affected families. It has extended its condolences while cooperating fully with investigators. Any compensation or legal claims are likely to depend on the outcome of the ongoing crash investigation and applicable aviation liability laws. However, no financial assistance has been confirmed so far.
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