A small plane crashed into the Caribbean Sea shortly after takeoff near Roatan Island, Honduras, killing at least 12 people, including U.S. citizens. Civil aviation official Carlos Padilla said the aircraft veered sharply off the runway before plunging into the water. Local fishermen witnessed the crash, with one reporting he narrowly avoided being struck by the falling plane.
Rescue efforts have been hindered by rough terrain and near-zero underwater visibility, according to Roatan Fire Captain Franklin Borjas. Among the victims was Aurelio Martínez, a beloved Honduran musician and politician known for his contributions to Garífuna culture and music.
Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs honored him as a “true champion” of his people. The Honduran government has launched an Emergency Operations Committee. Of the 14 people on board, all but two perished. Authorities believe the cause was a mechanical failure. The U.S. State Department confirmed the death of at least one American citizen and expressed condolences