Loop 20 closure in Laredo may last into Wednesday evening after fatal jet crash

Parts of Loop 20 in Laredo reopened Wednesday afternoon, but police were still working to clear the scene of a fatal business jet crash that had shut down a major stretch of the roadway the night before.

Local reporting said the closure could last into Wednesday evening as investigators, emergency crews and traffic officers managed debris removal, rerouting and the crash investigation. Drivers were urged to use alternate routes while congestion built on nearby roads including Zapata Highway and Highway 359.

Crash and closure

The crash happened Tuesday night, June 16, near the Clark Boulevard area. Laredo police said Loop 20 remained closed after the jet went down, and officials said they could not guarantee the road would reopen by 5 p.m. Wednesday even as crews tried to clear the scene.

The aircraft carried six people. One person, identified in local reporting as Joshua Baer, 50, died. Five others survived. Local reports also said the aircraft struck a vehicle on the highway.

Partial reopening

By 4:44 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, portions of Loop 20 had reopened, according to later reporting. Even so, traffic backups and scene clearance continued, and it was not immediately clear which sections remained restricted.

The roadway shutdown affected one of Laredo’s major commuter corridors, disrupting access across the city and forcing drivers onto alternate routes during the afternoon rush.

Investigation continues

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were both reported to be investigating the crash. Local reporting said the plane had reported mechanical problems and tried to divert to Laredo International Airport before the crash.

Authorities have not yet said what caused the jet to go down. Further updates are expected from Laredo police, the FAA and the NTSB as the investigation continues and officials determine when the roadway can fully reopen.