9 passengers and a pilot died in a small plane crash in the Bahamas, officials said.
The Cessna 402 aircraft was making a short trip from Lynden Pindling International Airport near capital Nassau to San Andros Airport when it reportedly encountered difficulties and crashed into bushes before arrival.
The fatal crash occurred on the day of the Bahamas' 53rd independence anniversary.
Prime Minister Philip Davis declared it a day of mourning at a press conference, calling it another chapter of tragedy in the nation's history.
Initial reports of one survivor were later amended to indicate that the passenger had succumbed to injuries.
Details such as age and names have not been released.
Flamingo Air, the Bahamas-based operator, saw its air operator certificate suspended as a precautionary safety measure, though the ministry clarified the grounding was not an adverse compliance action.
Officials noted two safety incidents had taken place earlier on Friday involving the same airline.
Aviation Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis mentioned that an earlier flight had returned to Nassau when the pilot reported a problem, and a subsequent fire broke out on board after landing.
Flamingo Air is cooperating with authorities and has said details are still being gathered.
