A routine flight from the Honduran island of Roatán turned into a tragic event when a small plane crashed into the Caribbean Sea, killing at least 12 people.
The aircraft, a Jetstream operated by Honduran airline Lanhsa, had just taken off for the mainland when it reportedly experienced a mechanical failure, sending it spiraling into the water.
Moments Before the Crash
The plane was carrying 14 passengers and three crew members when it suddenly made a sharp turn to the right of the runway before plunging into the sea, according to civil aviation official Carlos Padilla.
Fishermen in the area witnessed the horrifying moment, with one narrowly escaping being hit.
“The plane almost fell on us. I was fishing,” a local man told HCH television.
Rescue Efforts and Devastating Losses
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, managing to rescue five people, including a 40-year-old French citizen who was later taken to a hospital in San Pedro Sula.
However, 12 others lost their lives, including renowned Honduran musician and politician Aurelio Martínez.
Martínez was a beloved figure in Honduras, known for founding the Garifuna ensemble Lita Ariran and later serving as a representative in the Honduran National Congress.
Challenges in Recovery Operations
Rescue teams faced significant obstacles in retrieving victims due to the crash site’s difficult terrain.
Roatán Fire Captain Franklin Borjas described the conditions as nearly impossible to navigate.
“There are 30 meters (98 feet) of rocks, and you can’t get there by walking or swimming. The divers have zero visibility,” he explained.
Government’s Response
Following the tragedy, Honduran President Xiomara Castro issued a statement, confirming that an Emergency Operations Committee had been activated to coordinate rescue and recovery efforts.
Dramatic footage from the scene showed rescue workers battling against the rough conditions to recover the victims.
Roatán: A Popular Tourist Destination
Roatán, the largest of the Bay Islands, is a well-known tourist hotspot, famous for its coral reefs and stunning beaches.
The crash has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising concerns about aviation safety in the region.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident, while families and friends of the victims mourn their devastating losses.