Small Aircraft Crashes into Sea off Roatán, Honduras, Leaving Seven Dead
A tragic incident involving an aircraft carrying 18 people occurred shortly after takeoff from the popular tourist destination.
Tegucigalpa, Honduras - A small aircraft carrying 18 individuals crashed into the sea on Monday shortly after taking off from Roatán, a Caribbean island known for its tourism.
Authorities confirmed that at least seven people have died as a result of the incident, while ten survivors were rescued.
According to Major Wilmer Guerrero of the Fire Department, six fatalities were reported initially, with a seventh body discovered later floating near the aircraft, which sank approximately one kilometer from the shore.
The aircraft, operated by Lanhsa, departed from the Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport at dusk, en route to the mainland city of Ceiba.
Reports indicate that the plane experienced a sudden turn to the right immediately after takeoff, possibly due to a mechanical failure of its engines, as stated by police officials.
Rescue operations were launched promptly, involving divers who located the aircraft's wreck.
Major Guerrero mentioned that coordination for underwater recovery would take place, as some individuals remained trapped inside the sunken plane.
A 40-year-old French passenger was reported to have sustained injuries and was transported to Mario Catarino Rivas Hospital in San Pedro Sula for treatment.
In response to the tragedy, President Xiomara Castro activated the Emergency Operations Committee, comprising armed forces, firefighters, and other institutions, to assist the victims.
She confirmed that public hospitals in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba were prepared to receive any survivors or injured passengers.
Eyewitness accounts from local fishermen described the incident, with one noting that the aircraft came dangerously close to them shortly before crashing.
The island of Roatán is a significant tourist destination within the Bay Islands of Honduras, drawing numerous visitors each year.
Authorities confirmed that at least seven people have died as a result of the incident, while ten survivors were rescued.
According to Major Wilmer Guerrero of the Fire Department, six fatalities were reported initially, with a seventh body discovered later floating near the aircraft, which sank approximately one kilometer from the shore.
The aircraft, operated by Lanhsa, departed from the Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport at dusk, en route to the mainland city of Ceiba.
Reports indicate that the plane experienced a sudden turn to the right immediately after takeoff, possibly due to a mechanical failure of its engines, as stated by police officials.
Rescue operations were launched promptly, involving divers who located the aircraft's wreck.
Major Guerrero mentioned that coordination for underwater recovery would take place, as some individuals remained trapped inside the sunken plane.
A 40-year-old French passenger was reported to have sustained injuries and was transported to Mario Catarino Rivas Hospital in San Pedro Sula for treatment.
In response to the tragedy, President Xiomara Castro activated the Emergency Operations Committee, comprising armed forces, firefighters, and other institutions, to assist the victims.
She confirmed that public hospitals in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba were prepared to receive any survivors or injured passengers.
Eyewitness accounts from local fishermen described the incident, with one noting that the aircraft came dangerously close to them shortly before crashing.
The island of Roatán is a significant tourist destination within the Bay Islands of Honduras, drawing numerous visitors each year.
