At least 12 people, including a U.S. citizen, have been killed after a small plane crashed into the Caribbean Sea shortly after taking off from the Honduran island of Roatan. The fatal incident occurred on Monday night when the Jetstream aircraft, operated by Lanhsa airline, took off with 14 passengers and three crew members onboard. According to Honduras’ transport minister, the wreckage was discovered about 0.6 miles off the coast of the island. The crash was attributed to an apparent mechanical failure, which caused the plane to spiral into the sea minutes after takeoff, with a dozen people confirmed dead and five others rescued.
Civil aviation officials reported that the aircraft made a sharp right turn shortly after takeoff before plunging into the water. A local fisherman narrowly avoided being hit by the falling plane, recounting how he had been fishing when the aircraft came dangerously close to him. Among the victims was renowned Honduran musician and politician Aurelio Martinez. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, as the incident raises concerns about the safety of regional air travel.