A tragic plane crash occurred near Roatán, Honduras, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 individuals, including an American citizen and well-known Honduran musician and politician, Aurelio Martínez.
The Lanhsa airline Jetstream plane had just departed from Roatán, a popular Caribbean tourist locale, when it is reported to have experienced mechanical issues and crashed into the ocean shortly thereafter.
Honduran officials confirmed that the aircraft was transporting 14 passengers along with three crew members. Five people were rescued from the debris, while rescue efforts continue for one missing person.
Fatal Accident Claims 12 Lives
Among the victims was 56-year-old Aurelio Martínez, a celebrated figure in Garífuna music and politics, who significantly influenced Honduran culture.
Martínez was a prominent artist within the Garífuna music community, which has Afro-Indigenous origins linked to St. Vincent, with many ancestors exiled to Honduras in the 1700s. His band, Lita Ariran, gained international acclaim as one of the first Garífuna groups, as noted by the Kennedy Center.
Later in his career, Martínez also ventured into politics, serving as a member of the Honduran National Congress. The Belize Ministry of Foreign Affairs paid tribute to him, describing him as a “great friend of Belize and a true champion of Garífuna culture and music,” and added that his legacy would endure in the hearts of those who admired his artistry.
Flight Passengers Included Nationals From The U.S. and France
The flight manifest indicated that passengers included an American, a French individual, and two minors. A spokesperson from the State Department confirmed the passing of the American citizen, expressing condolences to the families of all involved and stating there would be no further comments to respect their privacy.
One survivor, a 40-year-old French citizen, was reportedly hospitalized in San Pedro Sula for treatment. Civil aviation official Carlos Padilla described how the aircraft took off, made a sharp turn, then crashed approximately 0.6 miles from the coast of the island.
A fisherman nearby narrowly avoided being hit by the plane as it fell. He recounted the experience to HCH television, noting that the plane nearly landed on him while he was fishing.
Search Efforts Continue After the Crash
Ongoing search and rescue operations are hampered by challenging underwater conditions, with officials noting difficulties in accessing the crash site due to a rocky terrain. Roatán Fire Captain Franklin Borjas stated that divers face zero visibility in the search efforts.
Dramatic footage revealed frantic rescue attempts, including a video where a woman was seen being lifted from the water on a stretcher, though no further updates on her health have been provided.
Honduran President Comments on the Incident
Following the tragedy, Honduran President Xiomara Castro announced the activation of an Emergency Operations Committee to manage the situation. Roatán, the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands, is a well-known tourist destination famous for its coral reefs and beautiful beaches.
As authorities look into the cause of the crash, the nation mourns the loss of lives in this heartbreaking incident.
