Honduras News

A small aircraft crash off the coast of Roatan, Honduras, resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people, including renowned musician Aurelio Martinez, officials reported. The Lanhsa Airlines plane took off Monday evening en route to La Ceiba when it experienced an "apparent mechanical failure," as stated by local authorities. Carlos Padilla, a civil aviation official, reported that the plane made a sharp turn shortly after takeoff before plunging into the Caribbean Sea, approximately half a mile from the island's shore. Among the 17 individuals on board, including two pilots and a flight attendant, five were rescued, with one passenger, a 40-year-old French citizen, transported to a hospital in San Pedro Sula for injuries. Martinez, celebrated for his contributions to the Garifuna music scene, was a key figure in the punta rock genre, which gained prominence in Central America during the 1990s. Honduran President Xiomara Castro announced the activation of an emergency committee to assist the victims and their families.

In a harrowing incident at Toncontin International Airport in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, flight attendants exhibited remarkable bravery by subduing a gunman who threatened passengers shortly after takeoff. The flight was en route to Roatan when chaos erupted, leading the flight crew to act swiftly to ensure the safety of everyone on board. The pilot immediately redirected the aircraft back to Toncontin, landing safely without any reported injuries. Following the safe landing, National Police officers boarded the plane and apprehended the suspect, sparking questions regarding security measures at the airport. Eyewitness footage captured the tense moments, highlighting the panic that ensued. Concerns have been raised about how the assailant was able to bring a firearm onto the flight, as regulations dictate that firearms must be stored in checked luggage and secured properly. As passengers were transferred to another flight, public commentary intensified on the potential flaws in airport security. Neither CM Airlines nor Tag Airlines has issued statements regarding the incident as of yet.