At least 12 individuals lost their lives when a plane crashed into the sea off the Caribbean coast of Honduras on Monday evening, according to officials. The aircraft, operated by the Honduran airline Lanhsa, went down shortly after departing from Roatán island.
Authorities from the national police and fire department reported that five people were rescued, while one person remains missing. The reason for the crash is still under investigation, but Roatán's mayor mentioned that weather conditions were not a factor. The Honduran Civil Aeronautics Agency has launched an inquiry into the incident.
The Jetstream 32 plane took off from Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport at 6:18 PM local time (12:18 AM GMT on Tuesday) and was headed to Golosón International Airport in La Ceiba on the mainland. Civil aviation official Carlos Padilla, cited by AFP, described the aircraft making a sudden right turn off the runway before crashing into the water.
The government expressed its condolences to the victims' families through a social media statement, sharing its deep sorrow over the tragedy in Roatán and joining the nation in mourning.
In response to the crash, President Xiomara Castro promptly activated the national emergency committee, which includes all emergency services such as the military, police, fire department, Red Cross, and Ministry of Health. She stated on social media that the team was working diligently to provide aid, adding a prayer for the protection of lives.
Videos posted by officials showed rescue operations taking place in the dark along a rocky shore, with small boats and stretchers in use. The Honduran armed forces shared images of survivors being airlifted to a hospital in San Pedro Sula by military aircraft.
Local reports indicate that among those who perished was Aurelio Martinez Suazo, a renowned Honduran musician. Suazo was part of the Garifuna community, known for its unique blend of indigenous and Afro-Caribbean heritage and music, originating from St Vincent.