A small plane crash near Roatán, a popular Caribbean island in Honduras, has left 12 people dead, including renowned musician and politician Aurelio Martínez. The tragic accident occurred moments after takeoff, with only five survivors rescued from the ocean by local fishermen.
Crash Moments After Takeoff
The Jetstream 32 aircraft took off from Roatán on Monday evening, heading for La Ceiba, a coastal city in northern Honduras. The twin-engine plane, carrying 15 passengers and two crew members, crashed seconds later into the sea.
Authorities confirmed that 12 people lost their lives, while five miraculously survived. Local fishermen, working near the site, spotted bodies in the water. Realizing some were still alive, they rushed to pull them onto their boat. Aldair Alemán, one of the fishermen, described the harrowing scene: “Some were drowning, begging for help. We pulled four people aboard before handing them to rescuers.”
Emergency responders later arrived, lining up along the rocky coastline to recover victims and survivors. Videos shared on social media showed rescue teams pulling people from the water and laying them on stretchers.
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Survivors Transported for Medical Care
The five survivors were flown to a hospital in San Pedro Sula for urgent medical attention. According to witnesses, some had severe injuries, including broken bones and facial wounds.
Authorities are still working to recover the body of the co-pilot, which remains trapped inside the submerged wreckage. The aircraft’s fuselage and black box have not yet been retrieved due to dangerous reefs surrounding the crash site, making navigation difficult.
Aurelio Martínez: A Cultural Icon Lost
Among the victims was Aurelio Martínez, a celebrated Garifuna musician and politician. Known for preserving the Garifuna culture, Martínez was a pioneer in bringing its music to international audiences.
He founded Lita Ariran, one of the first Garifuna groups to gain global recognition. His record label, Real World Records, described him as “more than just a musician—he was a statesman and cultural ambassador.”His death is a profound loss, not only for Honduras but for Caribbean culture worldwide.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the crash remains unknown. The Honduran Civil Aeronautics Agency has launched an investigation to determine what went wrong. Experts will analyze flight data, wreckage, and weather conditions at the time of the accident.
Roatán, located 35 miles off the Honduran mainland, is a major tourist hub known for its pristine coral reefs and diving spots. The incident has raised concerns over air travel safety in the region.
As authorities continue their investigation, the nation mourns the lives lost, especially that of Aurelio Martínez, whose legacy will live on through his music and cultural contributions.
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