The lead vocalist of a well-known Caribbean music group expressed her profound shock and disbelief following the tragic loss of five band members in an aviation accident.

Shaniese Miller, the singer for Da Pond Band, addressed the media after the devastating event that occurred on Friday when a small aircraft operated by Flamingo Air crashed in the Bahamas, claiming the lives of all 10 individuals onboard.

The band, recognized for their performances of Caribbean music, was en route to a performance for an Independence Day celebration on Andros Island along with a DJ when the tragedy unfolded.

Departing from Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau on Friday, the aircraft was bound for San Andros, a journey typically taking less than 20 minutes. However, it crashed in North Andros, according to the Bahamian Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority.

In an interview with CBS, Miller expressed her disbelief, saying, “I’m still shocked that they’re gone. I can’t believe it. They’re my family and I never expected that to happen.”

The last time the singer was with her band was the prior week during a performance in Nassau.

“We were having such a great time, and after the second set, they were just expressing their excitement about going to Andros,” she recalled.

The band members who lost their lives were identified as Giovanni McKenzie, Mateo Winder, Rashad Storr, Tonique Gilot, and Travis Johnson. Also onboard was Melvin Henfield, known as DJ Fresh.

On the same day, prior to the crash, another band vocalist – Shenia Roberts – had landed on the island on the same aircraft flown by the same pilot.

“It was evident that it was an aged aircraft. Nevertheless, we encountered no problems,” she remarked.

Reflecting on her bandmates, she shared with CBS News, “They were the individuals I conversed with in the morning, at night. They were my pals, my confidants. I was eagerly anticipating their arrival.”

In an interview with local outlet Our News, the singer expressed, “It’s been an overwhelming experience. They were my companions. They were the individuals I encountered daily, every week. I interacted with them daily. My entire life revolved around my band and my music.”

Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis extended condolences to the victims in a statement, mentioning he was “praying for the families enduring insurmountable sorrow.”

He added, “This is a distressing moment. The affected families deserve empathy