BANGOR, Maine, Jan. 26 -- A private business jet, a Bombardier Challenger 650, crashed shortly after taking off from Bangor, Maine, on Sunday evening, officials confirmed. The aircraft, carrying eight people - three crew members and five passengers - went down around 7:45 p.m. ET, just minutes after departure.

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the extent of injuries and the fate of those aboard remained unclear. Bangor International Airport and city officials established an emergency operations center and dispatched first responders to the scene. Authorities cautioned that it could take several hours before more information becomes available.

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