A small plane plunged into the Caribbean Sea, killing at least twelve people, including US citizens.
Civil aviation official Carlos Padilla explained the plane “made a sharp turn to the right of the runway and fell into the water” moments after taking off and crashing off the coast of Roatan Island.
A fishermen who witnessed the crash said he avoided being struck by the plane as it feel into the sea.
Rescue crews searched the waters, with one body left to recover.
“It’s been difficult to access the accident (site) because there are 30 meters (98 ft) of rocks and you can’t get there while walking or swimming,” Roatan Fire captain Franklin Borjas explained, as per the Daily Mail.
“The divers helping with the rescue have zero visibility.”
Honduran President Xiomara Castro issued a statement saying she has rapidly put an Emergency Operations Committee into action, uniting different agencies.
According to the country’s transport ministry, there were 14 passengers on board, including members of the crew.
Among those who lost their lives was Honduran musician and politician, Aurelio Martínez.
Martínez was a well-known voice in the Garífuna music scene, an Afro-Indigenous community with roots tracing back to St. Vincent.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belize paid tribute to Martínez, calling him a “great friend of Belize and a true champion of Garífuna culture and music.
“His passing leaves a void in the world of music and culture, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved his art and his people.”
Reports are that the reason for the plane crash was a mechanical failure.
The State Department confirmed the death of an American citizen, extending their condolences to the family.
