Chilling Video Captures Moment Private Jet En Route to Pick Up MLB Legend Yadier Molina Crashes in Dominican Republic Killing Two [WATCH]

A private jet that was on its way to Texas to pick up St. Louis Cardinals legend Yadier Molina crashed shortly after takeoff in the Dominican Republic, killing both the pilot and co-pilot. The U.S.-registered Gulfstream G200 Galaxy business jet had taken off for Austin when the crew reported technical issues shortly after takeoff on Sunday.

The pilot immediately made and effort to return to the airport in an emergency. The aircraft crashed in a fiery explosion before it could land, killing both the pilot and co-pilot, who were the only people on board, according to officials. Authorities are yet to reveal their identities but have already launched an investigation.

Two Deaths and a Survivor

Molina responded to the tragedy in a post shared on Instagram. “My condolences to the pilots and their families,” he wrote. “This plane was on its way to pick up me, my family, and friends in Texas to return to Puerto Rico. This is all so heartbreaking.”

The aircraft issued an emergency alert when it was about 16 nautical miles southwest of La Romana International Airport, according to Listin Diario.

As the crew tried to turn back and land safely at the airport, the jet reportedly became unstable and crashed before reaching its destination.

“The US-registered aircraft, registered to an executive aviation company, had its two crew members on board: the pilot and co-pilot. No passengers were reported,” the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) stated in a press release.

Shocking Video Emerges

Video from the crash site shows the jet engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing high into the sky as the wreckage continued to burn. Emergency crews quickly arrived at the crash site, with firefighters and rescue personnel working to extinguish the blaze and secure the surrounding area.

Dominican authorities said an investigation has been launched to determine what caused the crash, including the mechanical or technical issues that led the crew to declare an emergency and attempt to return to the airport.

Molina spent his entire Major League Baseball career with the St. Louis Cardinals from 2004 to 2022, becoming one of the franchise’s most celebrated players.

The 10-time MLB All-Star catcher helped lead the Cardinals to World Series titles in 2006 and 2011 and earned nine Rawlings Gold Glove Awards for his defensive excellence behind the plate.