A small plane carrying 17 people crashed into the Caribbean Sea shortly after taking off from Honduras’ Roatan island, killing at least 12 people, including popular musician Aurelio Martínez. The Lanhsa Airlines Jetstream 41 departed from Roatan’s main tourist destination headed for La Ceiba on the Honduran mainland.
According to authorities, the plane made a sharp turn and fell into the water just minutes after takeoff. Five survivors were rescued and hospitalized, but their conditions are currently unknown.
Rescue efforts have been complicated by the rocky terrain and zero visibility underwater. Among the victims was Martínez, who held U.S. citizenship and was originally from Honduras’ Gracias a Dios region.
Martínez was a renowned musician and member of the Garifuna ethnic group, which is of mixed African and Indigenous heritage. His nephew described him as “the pillar” of their family and praised his virtuosic musicianship and passionate performances.
The cause of the crash was determined to be an “apparent mechanical failure.” The Honduran President has activated a special emergency committee to assist in the rescue efforts and provide support to the victims’ families.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/plane-crash-off-caribbean-island-110602595.html