HEARTBREAKING: 42 killed 32 injured as plane 7EC, N4737E, Transporting Tampa Bay Rays Crashed on the Capital Center in St. Petersburg, Florida. …….

In an unfathomable tragedy that has stunned the sports world and left a city in mourning, a charter plane identified as 7EC, tail number N4737E, carrying members of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team, crashed into the Capital Center in downtown St. Petersburg on Tuesday afternoon. The devastating accident has claimed the lives of 42 individuals and left 32 others critically injured, according to early reports from emergency response teams.

A Catastrophic Crash

The aircraft was en route from Miami to St. Petersburg, reportedly transporting the Rays and support staff back home following a brief training event in South Florida. Around 3:12 PM local time, the aircraft encountered what witnesses described as “severe engine trouble” shortly before violently veering off-course and crashing directly into the upper floors of the Capital Center, a high-rise office building known for housing multiple corporate and city offices.

Flames engulfed multiple floors following the impact, sending plumes of smoke across downtown and triggering a full-scale evacuation. More than a dozen fire engines and emergency helicopters responded within minutes as first responders rushed to rescue survivors trapped in the wreckage.

Lives Lost — A Team Devastated

Authorities have confirmed that 42 people were killed in the incident, many of them on board the aircraft, though several victims were also inside the Capital Center when the crash occurred. At least 32 others have been injured, with some in critical condition at local hospitals.

Among the deceased are several members of the Tampa Bay Rays’ coaching and training staff, though team officials have not yet confirmed the full roster of those aboard. Initial reports suggest that several players may have been among the casualties, though identification efforts are ongoing.

Major League Baseball (MLB) released a statement:

“We are absolutely devastated by the tragedy involving the Tampa Bay Rays. Our thoughts are with the families of those lost and injured. MLB is coordinating closely with local authorities and the team as we learn more about this horrific event.”

Witnesses Describe Horror

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and heartbreak as the aircraft slammed into the building.

“It sounded like a bomb,” said Maria Jenkins, who was walking just blocks away when the crash occurred. “Glass flew everywhere. People were screaming. It was total chaos.”

FAA and NTSB Launch Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings suggest a possible engine failure shortly after takeoff, but investigators are also reviewing the plane’s maintenance records and pilot communications.

The aircraft, a mid-sized jet previously used for team travel, had undergone routine inspection earlier this month. However, flight data and the black box will be key to understanding what went wrong.

City in Mourning

St. Petersburg Mayor [Name] has declared a state of emergency, and flags across the city have been lowered to half-staff.

“This is a dark day for our city, our community, and for baseball,” the mayor said at an emotional press briefing. “We stand with the families of the victims and the Rays organization. We will get through this together.”

A memorial vigil is being organized outside Tropicana Field, where thousands of fans have already begun gathering, leaving flowers, jerseys, and hand-written tributes.

---

This is a developing story, and more details will be released as the investigation and identification of victims progresses. Our hearts are with the entire Tampa Bay Rays organization, the victims’ families, and all those impacted by this unimaginable tragedy.