Cliff Notes – Twelve dead including musician after plane crash in Honduras
- A plane crash near Roatan Island has claimed the lives of 12 individuals, including acclaimed Garifuna musician Aurelio Martinez, shortly after takeoff.
- The aircraft, operated by Lanhsa, was en route to La Ceiba with 14 passengers and three crew members; five survivors have been reported.
- Rescue operations have been hindered by adverse conditions, with emergency services on-site and hospitals prepared to care for any injured passengers.
Twelve dead including musician after plane crash in Honduras
A popular musician is among 12 people who have died in a plane crash in Honduras.
Garifuna musician Aurelio Martinez died with 11 others on Monday after a plane crashed off the coast of Roatan Island, shortly after taking off.
Twelve dead including musician after plane crash in Honduras and five people were said to have survived the crash.
The aircraft, operated by airline Lanhsa, was carrying 14 passengers and three crew members, according to the country’s transport ministry.
National police confirmed the deaths which also included, according to local media, two children, a US national and a French national.
The plane had been scheduled to fly to La Ceiba airport on the Honduran mainland.
Both police and fire officials detailed the rescue effort under way.
Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands just off the Honduran coast, is a popular tourist attraction and known for its coral reefs.
Local fire chief Franklin Borjas said adverse conditions had complicated the search and rescue efforts.
It was added the search for the last victim was ongoing, the fire service said.
Honduran President Xiomara Castro said: “I have immediately activated the Emergency Operations Committee (COE) team, comprised of the Armed Forces, the Honduran Fire Department, COPECO, the National Police, 911, the Red Cross, the Ministry of Health, and SAN.
“They have immediately arrived at the scene of the plane crash that occurred 1km from Roatan International Airport and are tirelessly assisting in the unfortunate incident.
“The public hospitals in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba are now ready to treat injured passengers.
“May God protect people’s lives.”