Five passengers aboard a private plane are now dead following a plane crash at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St.Croix.

The crash occurred at 8.54 pm last night, Thursday, December 7, 2017.

The Virgin Islands Port Authority confirmed in a statement that the private plane experienced mechanical issues that caused the crash.

“Sadly, all five persons onboard perished – including the pilot,”  the Port Authority said. 

The deceased are believed to be members of a popular soca band in St Croix but the names of the deceased are withheld pending notification of next of kin. 

Governor Kenneth Mapp and the Port Authority’s board, management and staff offered their deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.