A tragic incident occurred on Monday when a small plane crashed into the Caribbean Sea shortly after departing from the Honduran island of Roatan, claiming the lives of at least 12 individuals, including a well-known musician. The Lanhsa Airlines flight had taken off from Roatan, a popular tourist destination, en route to La Ceiba on the Honduran mainland. According to officials, the aircraft suddenly veered to the right after takeoff and plunged into the water. Despite the efforts of rescue teams, only five people were saved from the crash.
Among the deceased was Honduran musician Aurelio Martinez, a prominent figure in the Garifuna music community. Known for his talent and contributions to the music scene, Martinez founded the Lita Ariran ensemble and was celebrated for his captivating performances of Punta Rock, a genre that gained popularity in Central America in the 1990s.
The tragic event was captured in dramatic videos shared on social media, showing rescue teams bringing survivors to safety and continuing the search for one missing person. An investigation revealed that the crash was likely caused by a mechanical failure on the British-made Jetstream 41 aircraft. Honduran President Xiomara Castro promptly mobilized an emergency committee to provide assistance to the victims and their families in the aftermath of the accident.
