Heartbreaking Plane Crash Claims 12 Lives in Caribbean – Beloved Music Icon Among Victims
A devastating plane crash off the coast of Roatán Island in the Caribbean has claimed the lives of at least twelve people, including American citizens and renowned Honduran musician and politician, Aurelio Martínez.
The small aircraft plunged into the sea shortly after takeoff. According to civil aviation official Carlos Padilla, the plane “made a sharp turn to the right of the runway and fell into the water,” crashing near the remote island moments after departure.
Eyewitnesses were shaken. A local fisherman recounted a narrow escape, saying the aircraft nearly struck his boat as it hurtled into the sea.
Rescue efforts have proven extremely difficult. “It’s been hard to access the site,” said Roatán Fire Captain Franklin Borjas. “There are 30 meters of jagged rocks. You can’t reach the area by foot or by swimming. The divers have zero visibility.”
The Honduran government, led by President Xiomara Castro, has swiftly mobilized an Emergency Operations Committee, bringing together multiple agencies to manage the crisis.
According to the Ministry of Transport, 14 people were on board, including the flight crew. The suspected cause of the crash is mechanical failure.
Among the victims was Aurelio Martínez, a beloved figure in Honduras and a global ambassador of Garífuna culture and music, an Afro-Indigenous tradition with roots tracing back to St. Vincent. Martínez was not only a celebrated artist but also a respected voice in politics.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belize honored him in a heartfelt tribute, calling him “a great friend of Belize and a true champion of Garífuna culture and music. His passing leaves a void in the world of music and culture, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved his art and his people.”
The U.S. State Department has confirmed the death of at least one American citizen, extending their deepest condolences to the grieving family.
🕊️ This article was originally published on March 17, 2025.
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