Video Captures Heroic Rescues After Plane Crash On Texas Highway
on Jun 17, 2026 • Updated Jun 17, 2026
At approximately 10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, a passenger plane crashed on the highway in Laredo, Texas.
The initial 911 call to the Laredo Police Department was made from an area airport control tower, notifying first responders of the crash.
Crash landing on its side, with the exit hatch door facing up, the Cessna 680A business jet settled on the concrete divider on Loop 20, leading to road closures from Saunders southbound and Highway 359 northbound.
As drivers on the highway saw the fiery wreck, several hopped out of their cars to try to help the passengers and crew escape.
These brave actions were captured on video by several witnesses.
Watch Rescue Efforts Made To Save Those Aboard The Plane
The plane, which departed from Los Cabos International Airport in Mexico was heading to Austin, Texas, when it crashed in Laredo.
Dramatic video from the scene, lasting 8 minutes long in the case of video uploaded to social media by a woman named Zayra Garza, shows the dedication of those from the public who tried to bust the window of the cockpit as first responders from the Laredo Police Department and the fire department gradually arrive on the scene.
Initially, a couple people can be seen banging on the cockpit window, but with no luck to shatter the glass.
Then, someone enters the scene, calling for the use of a crowbar, which ultimately led to the hatch door being opened to immediately free a boy and others.
Throughout the video, passengers and crew members can be seen exiting the plane thanks to the courageous efforts of witnesses and first responders who worked to pry open that door.
Investigator Jose Baeza, public information officer with the Laredo Police Department, gave a news conference shortly after the crash was responded to and there was no longer a threat to people on board.
However, he did notify the public that there were six people aboard the plane, and that one of them tragically died in the crash.
In the afternoon of June 17, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-TX, shared that the victim of the crash was Austin-based tech entrepreneur Joshua Baer, founder of Capital Factory.
The 50-year-old was considered the “godfather of the Austin’s startup scene,” according to area news outlets.
Speaking with the Austin American-Statesman, Baer was remembered by Capital Factory President Bryan Chambers, who said, “Joshua was a fearless leader, a brilliant partner, and a dear friend to so many of us. While we are devastated by this unimaginable loss, Josh built an incredibly resilient organization and team. Capital Factory remains fully operational, and we are completely committed to continuing his mission of backing unstoppable founders.”
Further, with the plane landing on a highway, there was a threat to vehicles traveling on the road, and at least one person driving was adversely affected by this crash.
“One vehicle that was traveling southbound on Loop 20 was struck by the aircraft — by part of the aircraft — I don’t know which part, so right now that information is very preliminary,” LPD Investigator Baeza added.
Of those who responded to the crash, five first responders received treatment for smoke inhalation, as well, Baeza noted.
NBC News reports that the crash will be investigated by the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board.
See the incredible footage of the rescue efforts, as captured on video by a witness, named Zayra Garza, here:
RELATED: U.S. Air Force B-52 Bomber Crashes, Killing Crew Of 8
See some of the local first responder efforts to put out the fire, here:
Watch the news conference, here (the video begins without sound, but audio switches on about 40 seconds into the video):
This is a developing story.
