The crash of a Honduran airline's Jetstream 32 shortly after take-off has left at least 12 dead, with ongoing rescue operations and an active investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Tragic Plane Crash in Honduras Claims 12 Lives
Tragic Plane Crash in Honduras Claims 12 Lives
A plane crash off the Caribbean coast of Honduras has resulted in a significant loss of life, with authorities investigating the cause of the accident.
At least 12 people lost their lives when a plane crashed into the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Honduras on Monday evening, according to reports from local officials. The aircraft, operated by the Honduran airline Lanhsa, took off from Roatán’s Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport and went down within a minute, heading towards Golosón International Airport in La Ceiba.
Initial reports indicated that five individuals were rescued, while one remains missing. The Honduran Civil Aeronautics Agency announced that investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the incident. The mayor of Roatán reassured local media that the accident was not a result of adverse weather conditions, which were reported as normal at the time of the crash.
Carlos Padilla, a civil aviation official, stated that the Jetstream 32 made "a sharp turn to the right" shortly after takeoff before plummeting into the ocean. In response to the tragedy, the government of Honduras publicly expressed its condolences and solidarity with the families of the victims, noting it was a time for national mourning.
President Xiomara Castro quickly activated an emergency committee, which includes military and police forces along with health services and the Red Cross. She detailed the committee's efforts on social media, stating they were working around the clock to assist those affected. Videos shared on platforms depicted rescue operations taking place in darkness, with small boats and stretchers deployed along the coastline.
Among those confirmed dead is the notable Honduran musician Aurelio Martinez Suazo, who was renowned for his contributions to Garifuna music—a genre reflecting the heritage of indigenous and Afro-Caribbean peoples from St. Vincent. This tragic event underscores the ongoing risks associated with aviation and the need for thorough safety measures within the region.
