Honduras plane crash: A tragic plane crash off the Caribbean coast of Honduras on Monday night claimed the lives of seven people, while ten others were rescued from the wreckage, authorities confirmed.
The Jetstream aircraft, operated by Honduran airline Lanhsa, crashed minutes after taking off from Roatan Island, a popular tourist destination. According to Transport Minister René Pineda, the wreckage was located approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) off the island’s coast.
The plane was carrying 14 passengers and three crew members and was en route to La Ceiba airport on the Honduran mainland. Among the passengers were a U.S. national, a French national, and two minors, as per local reports.
Rescue Efforts & Casualties
Roatan Fire Captain Franklin Borjas confirmed the seven fatalities, including renowned Garifuna musician Aurelio Martínez Suazo. The ten survivors were pulled from the crash site and rushed to a local hospital.
Dramatic footage shared by Honduran National Police showed officers and rescue teams carrying survivors to shore amid difficult conditions. A nearby boat provided additional lighting as emergency personnel worked through the night.
Challenges in Search & Recovery
Borjas described challenging rescue conditions, noting that the crash site was surrounded by 30 meters (98 feet) of rocky terrain, making access difficult by land or sea. Zero visibility underwater also hampered efforts by divers.
The cause of the crash remains unclear, and the airline has not yet issued a statement. Investigations are expected to focus on potential mechanical failure, weather conditions, or other contributing factors.
Roatan, the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands, is famous for its coral reefs and tourism industry. The crash raises concerns about air travel safety in the region, particularly with smaller carriers operating domestic routes.