Plane Crash Claims 12 Lives, Including Music Star

 

A devastating plane crash off the coast of Honduras has claimed the lives of 12 people, including renowned Honduran musician and politician Aurelio Martinez Suazo. The aircraft, carrying 17 people, plunged into the Caribbean Sea just minutes after taking off from Roatan Island on Monday, March 17.

The ill-fated Jetstream aircraft, operated by Honduran airline Lanhsa, was en route to La Ceiba Airport on the mainland when disaster struck. Among the victims were several U.S. nationals, a French citizen, and two children.

Authorities confirmed that 12 people perished in the crash, while emergency teams worked tirelessly to recover the remaining body. The Honduran National Police stated:

“At this time, only one body remains to be recovered, as rescue teams continue their work.”

The tragic accident occurred at 6:18 p.m. shortly after departing from Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport. Dramatic images from the scene showed rescue teams battling treacherous conditions to retrieve survivors from the wreckage.

Fire captain Franklin Borjas highlighted the challenges faced by rescuers:

“It’s been difficult to access the accident site because there are 30 meters (98 feet) of rocks, making it impossible to walk or swim there. The divers assisting with the rescue have zero visibility.”

The cause of the crash remains unknown. In response to the tragedy, Honduran President Xiomara Castro confirmed that an Emergency Operations Committee had been activated to coordinate rescue efforts.

“They have immediately arrived at the scene of the plane crash that occurred 1 km from Roatán International Airport and are tirelessly assisting in the unfortunate incident,” she said.

Roatan, the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands, is a major tourist destination known for its stunning coral reefs and vibrant diving scene. This heartbreaking disaster has left the nation in mourning, as investigations continue into what led to this fatal accident.