Plane crashed into the sea in Honduras and leaves 12 dead

Published at: 18/03/2025 09:39 PM

A total of 12 people died and five rescued alive in the early morning of this Tuesday, March 18, was the result after a plane of the National Air Line of Honduras (LANHSA) crashed shortly after taking off from Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport, on the island of Roatán, Honduras, local media reported .

The Civil Aeronautics of Honduras reported that the incident occurred when a LANHSA aircraft, model Jetstream 41, with a capacity for 33 passengers, suffered an apparent mechanical failure upon takeoff for the city of La Ceiba.

The aircraft, which was carrying 15 passengers, two pilots and a flight attendant, lost engine power and fell into the sea approximately one kilometer off the runway of Juan Manuel Gálvez Airport.

According to local media reports, two fishermen working in the area were the first to arrive at the scene of the accident and help those who were still alive.

Meanwhile, the Honduran National Police reported through its X account that a body is still missing to be recovered.

Among the fatalities is the Honduran singer Aurelio Martínez Suazo, known for his participation in the Garifuna Gariunfa orchestra.

In addition, pilot Luis Angel Araya and co-pilot Francisco Lagos lost their lives in the plane crash.

Authorities continue to investigate the causes of the accident, while rescue teams work to recover the bodies and provide assistance to survivors.

In a message from the Press Secretariat of Honduras, he said that President Xiomara Castro extends her sincerest condolences to the families of the victims of the plane crash that occurred in Roatán, Bay Islands.

“In addition, the president announces that her government will provide them with all the support unconditionally,” she says.