A tragic plane crash in Honduras has claimed the lives of 12 people, including well-known Garifuna musician Aurelio Martinez. The accident occurred shortly after takeoff from Roatan Island on Monday. The aircraft, operated by Lanhsa airline, was on its way to La Ceiba airport on the Honduran mainland when it went down.
The crash happened just 1 kilometer from Roatan International Airport. Local authorities have confirmed that among the deceased are two children, a U.S. national, and a French national. Fortunately, five people survived the incident and were rescued.
Emergency services worked through the night to recover bodies from the sea. The search for the last victim is still ongoing, as adverse weather conditions have made rescue efforts challenging. Local fire chief Franklin Borjas noted that these conditions have complicated the operation.
Honduran President Xiomara Castro has activated the Emergency Operations Committee, which includes the Armed Forces, the Fire Department, and other emergency services, to assist in the recovery efforts. Hospitals in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba are prepared to treat any injured passengers.
Roatan, known for its beautiful coral reefs, is a popular tourist destination. This incident has shocked the local community and beyond, especially with the loss of a beloved musician like Aurelio Martinez. The investigation into the cause of the crash is expected to begin soon.
