Caribbean island off Honduran coast sees small plane crash kill at least 12
At least a dozen people tragically lost their lives in a devastating plane crash off the Caribbean coast of Honduras on Monday evening. The plane crashed just moments after taking off from the Juan Manuel Galvez Airport on Roatan Island, with its intended destination being the nearby island of La Ceiba.
Honduran President Xiomara Castro confirmed that the wreckage of the aircraft was discovered less than a mile off the coast of Roatan Island. The plane, a Jetstream 32 operated by Honduran airline Lanhsa, was carrying two crew members and 15 passengers at the time of the crash.
Among those onboard were an American national, a French national, and two minors, as reported by Reuters based on the flight manifest shown by local media. While five individuals were rescued from the crash site, one person remains missing, according to Honduran firefighters.
Tragically, one of the deceased passengers was the well-known Honduran musician Aurelio Martinez Suazo, as confirmed by local firefighters. The cause of the accident was suspected to be a mechanical failure of the aircraft, as stated by Roatan Mayor Ronnie Richard McNap Thompson.
The Honduran government mobilized various emergency services, including the Armed Forces, firefighters, and police, in response to the tragic incident. Despite adverse conditions hindering search and rescue efforts, emergency crews worked tirelessly to locate survivors and recover victims from the crash site.
Dramatic footage captured by rescue teams showcased the challenging conditions they faced in accessing the wreckage, with limited visibility and treacherous terrain impeding their efforts. The search for the missing passenger is set to continue as weather conditions improve, allowing for a more thorough investigation of the area.
The Government of Honduras expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident and assured the public that rapid response teams were dedicated to safeguarding the lives of those affected. As the investigation into the crash unfolds, authorities are working diligently to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those affected by this devastating plane crash in Honduras. We extend our deepest condolences to all those impacted by this heartbreaking event.
