At least 12 people have been confirmed dead following a horrific plane crash off the Caribbean coast of Honduras on Monday evening, with the tragic incident occurring shortly after takeoff from the island of Roatán.
Tragedy Strikes as Plane Crashes Off Honduran Coast, Leaving 12 Dead
Tragedy Strikes as Plane Crashes Off Honduran Coast, Leaving 12 Dead
A plane crash near Roatán claims multiple lives while rescue efforts continue, sparking a national period of mourning.
The aircraft, operated by Honduran airline Lanhsa, crashed into the sea less than a minute after departing from Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport, heading for Golosón International Airport in La Ceiba. Initial reports from the Honduran national police and fire department indicate that five survivors have been rescued, although one individual remains unaccounted for.
While the cause of the crash is under investigation, local authorities, including Roatán’s mayor, have stated that poor weather conditions were not a factor. Civil aviation officials noted that the Jetstream 32 aircraft made a "sharp turn to the right" before descending into the water.
In response to the tragedy, the Honduran government extended condolences to the victims' families and entered a national mourning period. President Xiomara Castro swiftly activated an emergency response committee comprised of various emergency services, ensuring that those in need received immediate assistance.
Rescue operations were carried out amid dark conditions, as images released on social media depicted teams working diligently along the coastline with boats and stretchers. Reports have confirmed that some survivors, suffering from injuries, were airlifted to a local hospital in San Pedro Sula.
Among the deceased is renowned Honduran musician Aurelio Martinez Suazo, who was celebrated for his contributions to Garifuna culture and music. The nation grapples with this unimaginable loss as investigations begin into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Aviation Accidents, Honduras, Caribbean, Tragedy
While the cause of the crash is under investigation, local authorities, including Roatán’s mayor, have stated that poor weather conditions were not a factor. Civil aviation officials noted that the Jetstream 32 aircraft made a "sharp turn to the right" before descending into the water.
In response to the tragedy, the Honduran government extended condolences to the victims' families and entered a national mourning period. President Xiomara Castro swiftly activated an emergency response committee comprised of various emergency services, ensuring that those in need received immediate assistance.
Rescue operations were carried out amid dark conditions, as images released on social media depicted teams working diligently along the coastline with boats and stretchers. Reports have confirmed that some survivors, suffering from injuries, were airlifted to a local hospital in San Pedro Sula.
Among the deceased is renowned Honduran musician Aurelio Martinez Suazo, who was celebrated for his contributions to Garifuna culture and music. The nation grapples with this unimaginable loss as investigations begin into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Aviation Accidents, Honduras, Caribbean, Tragedy
