A Kenmore Air seaplane carrying 11 people crashed and burst into flames during an emergency landing near Sucia Island in Washington state’s San Juan Islands on Tuesday evening, September 15, 2026. All occupants survived.

The de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, operating as Flight 140, took off from Lake Union in Seattle around 4:30 p.m. bound for Roche Harbor on San Juan Island. About 45 minutes later, at approximately 5:15 p.m., the single-engine floatplane made an emergency landing in Shallow Bay off Sucia Island after the pilot adjusted course due to weather.

The aircraft struck the water, hit rocks along the shore, and then caught fire, with flames and black smoke engulfing much of the wreckage.

Videos from nearby boats captured the plane tilting and bouncing on the water before coming to rest against the rocky coastline. Passengers and the pilot escaped the aircraft before it was fully consumed by fire. Nearby recreational boaters reached the scene first and assisted in the rescue, followed by a multi-agency response involving the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, Canadian Coast Guard, local fire and rescue teams, and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.

All 11 people on board—10 passengers and one pilot—were accounted for and transported for medical care. Injuries included head trauma, broken bones, and lacerations. One person was initially reported in critical condition; by the following day, three remained hospitalized in satisfactory condition, while the pilot and others had been released or discharged.

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the incident. Preliminary information indicates the pilot reported bad weather that prevented a landing at the intended destination, though the exact cause remains under review. Kenmore Air canceled flights the next day to support those involved and is cooperating with authorities.

Sucia Island, a popular state park north of Orcas Island near the U.S.-Canada border, saw a swift response that officials credited with helping ensure everyone survived the fiery crash.

Widespread protests have erupted across Syria in response to a significant increase in fuel prices, with demonstrators taking to the streets in several cities to express their anger.

The surge in fuel costs has triggered public outrage amid already difficult economic conditions, as many Syrians struggle with high living expenses and limited purchasing power.

Crowds gathered in major urban centres, chanting against the price hike and calling for immediate government intervention to ease the burden on ordinary citizens.

Reports indicate that the demonstrations turned tense in some locations, with security forces deployed to maintain order. Protesters blocked roads and gathered outside government buildings, demanding a reversal of the fuel price adjustment.

The fuel price increase is the latest in a series of economic pressures facing the country, where years of conflict and sanctions have left infrastructure strained and basic commodities increasingly expensive.

Authorities have yet to issue a detailed official response to the unrest, as the protests continue to gain momentum.

The Kenyan government has given foreign nationals operating businesses in the country 90 days to regularise their immigration status, work permits, business registrations and licences, following remarks by President William Ruto that triggered panic in immigrant communities and fears of xenophobic violence.

State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed announced the “orderly regularisation exercise” on Tuesday, saying relevant government agencies would work with foreign embassies to facilitate compliance. “Every person conducting business in Kenya is required to comply with applicable immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements,” Mohamed said. Requirements will be administered “fairly, consistently and without discrimination” during the period. After the 90 days, the rules will be enforced “firmly and strictly in accordance with the law and due process.”

The move comes after Ruto’s comments last week that foreigners should not operate as hawkers or run small shops, which were widely seen as responding to complaints from Kenyan traders about competition in the informal sector. The remarks sparked anxiety, particularly among Burundian nationals who dominate street vending in parts of Nairobi. Hundreds queued at the Burundi embassy seeking travel documents amid concerns of a crackdown and possible attacks similar to recent xenophobic violence in South Africa. There were reports of at least one shop attack and instances of harassment or intimidation.

Mohamed explicitly warned that no individual or group has authority to harass, intimidate, threaten or interfere with foreign nationals or their businesses, stressing that enforcement is the sole responsibility of authorised state agencies. “Legitimate concerns about economic opportunity can never justify discrimination, excuse lawlessness or sanction violence,” the statement said. Kenya would remain “an open, secure and welcoming country” while protecting opportunities for its citizens, especially in the micro and small-enterprise sector.

Citizens of East African Community countries are eligible for free work permits, though many have not completed formal registration. The government has also directed that the Local Content Bill currently before Parliament be expanded to create a clearer framework identifying activities that may be reserved for Kenyans while protecting the rights of foreigners lawfully entitled to work, invest or trade.

The 90-day window is intended to allow an orderly process rather than immediate closures, offering temporary relief to affected communities while signalling stricter future enforcement.