March 18, Tuesday Honduras: On Monday night, a tragic aviation accident occurred off the Caribbean coast of Honduras when a Jetstream aircraft operated by the Honduran airline Lanhsa crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff from Roatan Island. The aircraft was en route to La Ceiba airport on the Honduran mainland, carrying 14 passengers and three crew members.
The crash resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including the well-known Garifuna musician Aurelio Martinez Suazo. The victims also included international passengers, among them a U.S. national, a French national, and two minors.
Rescue operations were promptly initiated, leading to the survival of ten individuals who were extracted from the wreckage and transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention. The crash site was located approximately one kilometer off the island’s coast, presenting significant challenges to the rescue teams. Roatan fire captain Franklin Borjas highlighted the difficulties faced during the operation, stating, “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.” He further noted that divers assisting with the rescue encountered “zero visibility,” complicating efforts to locate and retrieve victims.
Dramatic footage shared on social media by national police showcased the challenging conditions, with officers and rescue workers navigating rocky coastlines to carry survivors, some on stretchers, to safety. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and the airline has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
Roatan Island, the largest of the Bay Islands off the Honduran coast, is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and is a popular tourist destination. The crash has cast a somber mood over the island community, particularly with the loss of Aurelio Martinez Suazo, a prominent figure in the Garifuna musical tradition.
As investigations proceed, authorities aim to determine the factors that led to this tragic event, hoping to prevent future occurrences and ensure the safety of air travel in the region. Keep Reading Questiqa.com.
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