Music Star Among 12 Killed in Plane Crash After Takeoff

Tragic Plane Crash: Music Star and 11 Others Lose Lives

​On March 17, 2025, a tragic plane crash occurred off the coast of Roatán Island, Honduras, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals, including renowned musician and politician Aurelio Martinez Suazo.

Incident Details:

  • Aircraft and Operator: The British-made Jetstream 41 aircraft, operated by Honduran airline Lanhsa, was carrying 14 passengers and three crew members.
  • Flight Path: The flight departed from Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport on Roatán Island, heading towards La Ceiba on the Honduran mainland.
  • Crash Circumstances: Shortly after takeoff, the plane experienced an apparent mechanical failure and crashed into the Caribbean Sea approximately half a mile from the coastline.

Casualties:

  • Fatalities: Twelve individuals lost their lives, including several U.S. nationals, a French citizen, and two children.
  • Survivors: Five people were rescued and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Notable Victim:

  • Aurelio Martinez Suazo: A celebrated Honduran musician known for his contributions to Garifuna music and recognized as Honduras’ first Black congressman.

Rescue Efforts:

  • Challenges: Rescue operations were hindered by rocky terrain and poor underwater visibility, complicating the recovery process.
  • Emergency Response: An Emergency Operations Committee was established to coordinate rescue and recovery efforts.

Investigation:

  • Cause of Crash: The exact cause remains under investigation, with initial reports indicating a potential mechanical failure.

Background on Roatán Island:

  • Location: Situated approximately 35 miles off the Honduran mainland, Roatán Island is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and is a popular tourist destination.

This incident has deeply affected the local community and the international music scene, highlighting the profound loss of cultural icons like Aurelio Martinez Suazo.​

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