A devastating plane crash occurred off the coast of Roatan, Honduras on Monday, resulting in the confirmed deaths of at least 12 passengers. The aircraft, owned by Lanhsa Airlines, experienced a severe incident shortly after takeoff en route to La Ceiba, as reported by BBC and ABC News. Preliminary investigations indicated that the Jetstream aircraft made a sharp turn just after leaving Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport, plunging into the sea about 1 kilometer from the coast.

Among the deceased was Aurelio Martinez Suazo, a popular Garifuna musician. According to the CBS News, his contributions to the Garifuna music scene were significant, making his loss particularly felt.

Authorities stated that out of the 15 individuals onboard, five were rescued, while one person remains unaccounted for. Honduran President Xiomara Castro activated an emergency response team to assist with recovery and medical needs, with hospitals ready to treat survivors.

Search and recovery operations faced difficulties due to adverse conditions, limiting visibility for divers and complicating access to the accident site. Local reports indicated that the investigation would continue to determine the exact cause of this tragedy.

This incident has brought significant grief to the community, heightening concerns over aviation safety in the region. As rescue efforts persist, the focus remains on recovering any remaining victims and providing support to the families affected by this tragic event.

For more details regarding the crash, visit the complete articles on India Times and South China Morning Post.